Substituted condensed thiophenes as modulators of sting

ABSTRACT

A compound of formula (I): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein: R 1  is selected from (i) H, (ii) C 3-6 cycloalkyl, (iii) C 3-7 heterocyclyl optionally substituted with a group selected from: methyl and ester, and (iv) linear or branched C 1-4 alkyl optionally substituted with a group selected from: alkoxy, amino, amido, acylamido, acyloxy, alkyl carboxyl ester, alkyl carbamoyl, alkyl carbamoyl ester, phenyl, phosphonate ester, C 3-7 heterocyclyl optionally substituted with a group selected from methyl and oxo, and a naturally occurring amino acid, optionally N-substituted with a group selected from methyl, acetyl and boc; A 1  is CR A  or N; A 2  is CR B  or N; A 3  is CR C  or N; A 4  is CR D  or N; where no more than two of A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , and A 4  may be N; one or two of R A , R B , R C , and R D , (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF 3 , cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, OEt, CH 2 OH, CH 2 OMe and CH 2 NMe 2 ; the remainder of R A , R B , R C , and R D , (if present) are H; Y is O, NH or CH 2 ; R Y  is selected from: (RYA) and (RYB).

SEQUENCE LISTING

This application contains a sequence listing filed in ST.26 format entitled “320604-1011 Sequence Listing” created on Jan. 31, 2023. The content of the sequence listing is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to substituted benzothiophenes, thienopyridines and thienopyrimidines and their use as pharmaceuticals, and in particular, in treating diseases ameliorated by the modulation of STING.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Vertebrates are constantly threatened by the invasion of microorganisms and have evolved mechanisms of immune defense to eliminate infective pathogens. In mammals, this immune system comprises two branches; innate immunity and adaptive immunity. The innate immune system is the first line of defense which is initiated by Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) which detect ligands from the pathogens as well as damage associated molecular patterns (Takeuchi 2010). A growing number of these receptors have been identified including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), C-type lectin receptors, retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and also double stranded DNA sensors. Activation of PRRs leads to up-regulation of genes involved in the inflammatory response including type 1 interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines which suppress pathogen replication and facilitate adaptive immunity.

The adaptor protein STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes), also known as TMEM 173, MPYS, MITA and ERIS, has been identified as a central signalling molecule in the innate immune response to cytosolic nucleic acids (Ishikawa 2008; WO2013/166000). Activation of STING results in up-regulation of IRF3 and NF_(K)B pathways leading to induction of type 1 interferons including Interferon-β and other cytokines. STING is critical for responses to cytosolic DNA of pathogen or host origin, and of unusual nucleic acids called Cyclic Dinucleotides (CDNs).

CDNs were first identified as bacterial secondary messengers responsible for controlling numerous responses in the prokaryotic cell. Bacterial CDNs, such as c-di-GMP, are symmetrical molecules characterized by two 3′,5′ phosphodiester linkages.

Direct activation of STING by bacterial CDNs has recently been confirmed through X-ray crystallography (Burdette 2013). Bacterial CDNs and their analogues have consequently attracted interest as potential vaccine adjuvants (Libanova 2012; WO2007/054279; WO2005/087238).

More recently, the response to cytosolic DNA has been elucidated and shown to involve generation, by an enzyme called cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS, previously known as C6orfl50 or MB21 D1), of a novel mammalian CDN signalling molecule identified as cGAMP, which then activates STING. Unlike bacterial CDNs, cGAMP is an asymmetrical molecule characterized by its mixed 2′,5′ and 3′,5′ phosphodiester linkages (Gao 2013A). Interaction of cGAMP (II) with STING has also been demonstrated bv X-rav crvstalloaraphv (Cai 2014). Interferon was first described as a substance which could protect cells from viral infection (Isaacs 1957). In man, the type I interferons are a family of related proteins encoded by genes on chromosome 9 and encoding at least 13 isoforms of interferon alpha (IFNα) and one isoform of interferon beta (IFNβ). Recombinant IFNα was the first approved biological therapeutic and has become an important therapy in viral infections and in cancer. As well as direct antiviral activity on cells, interferons are known to be potent modulators of the immune response, acting on cells of the immune system.

Administration of a small molecule compound which could modulate the innate immune response, including the activation or inhibition of type I interferon production and other cytokines, could become an important strategy for the treatment or prevention of human diseases including viral infections and autoimmune disease. This type of immunomodulatory strategy has the potential to identify compounds which may be useful not only in infectious diseases but also in cancer (Zitvogel 2015), allergic diseases (Moisan 2006), neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis (Lemos 2014; Cirulli 2015; Freischmidt 2015), other inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel disease (Rakoff-Nahoum 2004), and as vaccine adjuvants (Persing 2002; Dubensky 2013).

STING is essential for antimicrobial host defense, including protection against a range of DNA and RNA viruses and bacteria (reviewed in McNab 2015; Ma 2016). Herpesviridae, Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Papillomaviridae, Adenoviridae, Hepadnaviridae, ortho- and paramyxoviridae and rhabdoviridae have evolved mechanisms to inhibit STING mediated Type I interferon production and evade host immune control (Holm 2016; Ma 2015; Wu 2015; Liu 2016; Chen 2014; Lau 2013; Ding 2013; Nitta 2013; Sun 2012; Aguirre 2012; Ishikawa 2009). Thus, small molecule activation of STING could be beneficial for treatment of these infectious diseases.

In contrast, increased and prolonged type I IFN production is associated with a variety of chronic infections, including Mycobacteria (Collins 2015; Wassermann 2015; Watson 2015), Franciscella (Storek 2015; Jin 2011A), Chlamydia (Prantner 2010), Plasmodium (Sharma 2011), and HIV (Herzner 2015; Gao 2013B). Similarly, excess type I interferon production is found among patients with complex forms of autoimmune disease. Genetic evidence in humans and support from studies in animal models support the hypothesis that inhibition of STING results in reduced type I interferon that drives autoimmune disease (Crow 2006; Stetson 2008). Therefore, inhibitors of STING provide a treatment to patients with chronic type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokine production associated with infections or complex autoimmune diseases. Allergic diseases are associated with a Th2-biased immune-response to allergens. Th2 responses are associated with raised levels of IgE, which, via its effects on mast cells, promotes a hypersensitivity to allergens, resulting in the symptoms seen, for example, in allergic rhinitis and asthma. In healthy individuals the immune-response to allergens is more balanced with a mixed Th2/Th1 and regulatory T cell response. Induction of Type 1 interferons have been shown to result in reduction of Th2-type cytokines in the local environment and promote Th1/Treg responses. In this context, induction of type 1 interferons by, for example, activation of STING, may offer benefit in treatment of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (Huber 2010).

Compounds that bind to STING and act as agonists have been shown to induce type 1 interferons and other cytokines on incubation with human PBMCs. Compounds which induce human interferons may be useful in the treatment of various disorders, for example the treatment of allergic diseases and other inflammatory conditions for example allergic rhinitis and asthma, the treatment of infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disease, pre-cancerous syndromes and cancer, and may also be useful as immugenic composition or vaccine adjuvants. Compounds that bind to STING may act as antagonists and could be useful in the treatment, for example of autoimmune diseases. It is envisaged that targeting STING with activation or inhibiting agents may be a promising approach for preventing and treating diseases and conditions in which modulation for the type 1 IFN pathway is beneficial, including inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, pre-cancerous syndromes and as immugenic compositions or vaccine adjuvants.

Skin cancers and various skin viral infections involve immune privileged environment and activation of local immune response to the lesions may be a topical therapeutic approach. STING agonists may be used for treating viral warts, superficial skin cancers and premalignant actinic keratoses. By a dual mechanism of action, STING activation (e.g., via microneedle patch delivery or topical formulation) may be used to control HPV directly via antiviral type I interferon production and indirectly by enhancing the adaptive immune response downstream of innate immune activation. STING agonist can activate the innate immune response in the lesion and drive the anti-HPV T-cell response.

Recent evidence has indicated that spontaneous activation of the STING pathway within tumor-resident dendritic cells leads to type I IFN production and adaptive immune responses against tumors. Furthermore, activation of this pathway in antigen presenting cells (APCs) within the tumor microenvironment drives the subsequent T-cell priming against tumor-associated antigens (Corrales 2015). International Patent Applications WO2014/093936, WO2014/189805, WO2013/185052, WO2015/077354 and WO2015/185565 disclose certain cyclic di-nucleotides and their use in inducing an immune response via activation of STING.

Additionally non-CDN compounds have been described as active based agonists of STING.

Applications WO2019/069269, WO2019/069270, WO2017/175156, and WO2017/175147 and Ramanjulu 2018 describe certain amidobenzimidazole-based and diamidobenzimidazole-based compounds and their use in modulation of STING.

Applications WO2019/027858 and US2018/0093964 describe certain benzo[b]thiophene compounds and their use as aagonists of STING.

Applications WO2018/234808, WO2018/234807, GB2563642A, WO2018/234805 describe certain arylamido compounds and their use as modulators of STING.

STING has known polymorphisms, including alleles encoding histidine at position 232, which are refractory to bis-3′,5′ (canonical) CDNs, but not 2′,5′-3′,5′ (non-canonical, mixed linkage) CDNs (Diner 2013; Jin 2011B). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the STING gene have been reported to affect the responsiveness to bacterial-derived canonical CDNs (Diner 2013; Gao 2013C; Conlon 2013). Five major haplotypes of STING have been reported (WT, R232H, HAQ, AQ and Q alleles), which vary at amino acid positions 71, 230, 232 and 293 (Jin 2011B; Yi 2013).

The compounds of this invention modulate the activity of STING, and accordingly, may provide a beneficial therapeutic impact in the prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and/or conditions in which modulation of STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) is beneficial, for example for inflammation, allergic and autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, pre-cancerous syndromes and as vaccine adjuvants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a compound of formula I:

wherein:

W is O or NH;

R¹ is selected from:

-   -   (i) H;     -   (ii) C₃₋₆cycloalkyl;     -   (iii) C₃₋₇heterocyclyl optionally substituted with a group         selected from:         -   methyl; and         -   ester; and     -   (iv) linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted with a         group selected from:         -   alkoxy;         -   amino;         -   amido;         -   acylamido;         -   acyloxy;         -   alkyl carboxyl ester;         -   alkyl carbamoyl;         -   alkyl carbamoyl ester;         -   phenyl;         -   phosphonate ester;         -   C₃₋₇heterocyclyl optionally substituted with a group             selected from methyl and oxo; and         -   a naturally occurring amino acid, optionally N-substituted             with a group         -   selected from methyl, acetyl and boc;             A¹ is CR^(A) or N;             A² is CR^(B) or N;             A³ is CR^(C) or N;             A⁴ is CR^(D) or N;             where no more than two of A¹, A², A³, and A⁴ may be N;             one or two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present)             are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano,             OMe, OEt, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe and OH;             the remainder of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present)             are H;

Y is O, NH or CH₂;

R^(Y) is selected from: (a)

wherein: Z¹ is CR^(Z1) or N; Z² is CR^(Z2) or N; Z⁴ is CR^(Z4) or N; Z⁵ is CR^(Z5) or N; where no more than two of Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ may be N; one or two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, and C₅heterocyclyl; the remainder of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are H; (b)

where R¹² is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, OMe, cyano and CF₃; with the proviso that when A¹ is CF; A², A³ and A⁴ are CH; Y is O or NH; R^(Y) is RYA, where Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ are CH; R¹ is not Et; and when A¹ is CF; A², A³ and A⁴ are CH; Y is NH; R^(Y) is RYA, where Z¹ and Z⁵ are CH, one of Z² and Z⁴ is CF, and the other of Z² and Z⁴ is CH; R¹ is not Et.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a compound of the first aspect (including the compound of the proviso) for use in a method of therapy. The second aspect also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the first aspect (including the compound of the proviso) and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of treatment or prevention of a disease ameliorated by the modulation of STING, comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment, a compound of the first aspect of the invention (including the compound of the proviso) or a pharmaceutical composition of the second aspect of the invention. The third aspect of the present invention also provides the use of a compound of the first aspect of the invention (including the compound of the proviso) in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing disease ameliorated by the modulation of STING, and a compound of the first aspect of the invention (including the compound of the proviso) or pharmaceutical composition thereof for use in the treatment or preventing of disease ameliorated by the modulation of STING.

Definitions

C₃₋₆ Cycloalkyl: The term “C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl” as used herein, pertains to a monovalent moiety obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a carbon atom of a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon compound having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of C₃₋₆cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl (C₃), cyclobutyl (C₄), cyclopentyl (C₅) and cyclohexyl (C₆). C₃₋₇Heterocyclyl: The term “C₃₋₇ heterocyclyl” as used herein, pertains to a monovalent moiety obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a ring atom of a monocyclic heterocyclic compound, which moiety has from 3 to 7 ring atoms; of which from 1 to 2 atoms are heteroatoms, chosen from oxygen or nitrogen.

In this context, the prefixes (e.g. C₃₋₇) denote the number of ring atoms, or range of number of ring atoms, whether carbon atoms or heteroatoms.

Examples of C₃₋₇ heterocyclyl groups include, but are not limited to, those derived from:

N₁: aziridine (C₃), azetidine (C₄), pyrrolidine (tetrahydropyrrole) (C₅), pyrroline (e.g., 3-pyrroline, 2,5-dihydropyrrole) (C₅), 2H-pyrrole or 3H-pyrrole (isopyrrole, isoazole) (C₅), pyrrole (C₅), piperidine (C₆), dihydropyridine (C₆), tetrahydropyridine (C₆), pyridine (C₆), azepine (C₇), azepane (C₇); N₂: diazirine (C₃) diazetidine (C₄), imidazolidine (C₅), pyrazolidine (diazolidine) (C₅), imidazoline (C₅), pyrazoline (dihydropyrazole) (C₅), imidazole (C₅), pyrazole (C₅), piperazine (C₆), pyrazine (C₆), pyrimidine (C₆), pyridazine (C₆), diazepine (C₇), diazepane (C₇); O₁: oxetane (C₄), tetrahydrofuran (C₅); oxane (C₆); O₂: dioxetane (C₄), dioxolane (C₅); dioxane (C₆), dioxole (C₅); N₁O₁: tetrahydrooxazole (C₅), dihydrooxazole (C₅), tetrahydroisoxazole (C₅), dihydroisoxazole (C₅), isoxazole (C₅), oxazole (C₅), morpholine (C₆), tetrahydrooxazine (C₆), dihydrooxazine (C₆), oxazine (C₆). C₁₋₄ Alkyl: The term “C₁₋₄ alkyl” as used herein, pertains to a monovalent moiety obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a carbon atom of a saturated hydrocarbon compound having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Examples of saturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, Me: methyl (C₁), Et: ethyl (C₂), Pr: propyl (C₃), and Bu: butyl (C₄).

Examples of saturated linear alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl (C₁), ethyl (C₂), nPr: n-propyl (C₃), and nBu: n-butyl (C₄).

Examples of saturated branched alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, Pr: iso-propyl (C₃, —C(CH₃)₂), iBu: iso-butyl (C₄), sBu: sec-butyl (C₄) and tBu: tert-butyl (C₄).

C₂₋₄ Alkenyl: The term “C₂₋₄ alkenyl” as used herein, pertains to an alkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms and having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds.

Examples of unsaturated alkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethenyl (vinyl, —CH═CH₂), 1-propenyl (—CH═CH—CH₃), 2-propenyl (allyl, —CH—CH═CH₂), isopropenyl (1-methylvinyl, —C(CH₃)═CH₂) and butenyl (C₄).

C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl: The term “C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl” as used herein, pertains to a C₁₋₄alkyl group, substituted with one or more fluorine atoms. Alkoxy: —OR wherein R is a C₁₋₄ alkyl group as defined above. It can be represented as —O—C₁₋₄ alkyl. Examples of alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to, methoxy (C₁), ethoxy (C₂), propyloxy (C₃), and butyloxy (C₄). Alkyl carbamoyl: —NHC(═O)OR wherein R is a C₁₋₄ alkyl group as defined above. Examples of alkyl carbamoyl groups include, but are not limited to, —N(H)C(═O)OCH₃, —N(H)C(═O)OCH₂CH₃, and —N(H)C(═O)OC(CH₃)₃. Alkyl carbamoyl ester: —OC(═O)NRR′ wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl as defined above. Examples of alkyl carbamoyl ester groups include, but are not limited to, —OC(═O)N(CH₃)₂, and —OC(═O)N(H)CH₃. Alkyl carboxyl ester: —OC(═O)OR wherein R is a C₁₋₄ alkyl group as defined above. Examples of alkyl carboxyl ester groups include, but are not limited to, —OC(═O)OCH₃, —OC(═O)OCH₂CH₃, —OC(═O)OC(CH₃)₃, and —OC(═O)OCH(CH₃)₂. Amino: —N(R)R′ wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl as defined above. Examples of an amino group include, but are not limited to, —NH₂, —N(H)CH₃, —N(H)C(CH₃)₂, —N(CH₃)₂, —N(CH₂CH₃)₂. Amido (carbamoyl, carbamyl, aminocarbonyl, carboxamide, aminoacyl): —C(═O)N(R)R′ wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl as defined above. Examples of an amido group include, but are not limited to, C(═O)NH₂, —C(═O)N(H)CH₃, —C(═O)N(CH₃)₂, —C(═O)N(H)CH₂CH₃, and —C(═O)N(CH₂CH₃)₂. Acylamido: —N(R)C(═O)R′ wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl as defined above. Examples of an acylamido group include, but are not limited to, —N(H)C(═O)CH₂CH₃, —N(H)C(═O)CH₃ and —N(CH₃)C(═O)CH₃. Phenyl: —C₆H₅, wherein the phenyl may itself be optionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₄alkyl groups, one or more C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl groups, one or more C₁₋₄ alkoxy groups, one or more halo substituents and one or more cyano substituents. Benzyl: —CH₂—Phenyl, wherein phenyl is as defined above. Ester (carboxylate, carboxylic acid ester, oxycarbonyl): —C(═O)OR, wherein R is an ester substituent, for example, a C₁₋₄ alkyl group, a C₃₋₇ heterocyclyl group, or a phenyl group, as defined above, preferably a C₁₋₄ alkyl group. Examples of ester groups include, but are not limited to, —C(═O)OCH₃, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₃, —C(═O)OC(CH₃)₃, and —C(═O)OPh. Acyloxy (reverse ester): —OC(═O)R, wherein R is an acyloxy substituent, for example, a C₁₋₄alkyl group, a C₃₋₇ heterocyclyl group, or a phenyl group, as defined above, preferably a C₁₋₄alkyl group. Examples of acyloxy groups include, but are not limited to, —OC(═O)CH₃ (acetoxy), —OC(═O)CH₂CH₃, —OC(═O)C(CH₃)₃ and —OC(═O)Ph. Further examples of acyloxy groups include, but are not limited to, methylester (C₁), ethylester (C₂), propylester (C₃) and butylester (C₄). Naturally occurring amino acid: The term “a naturally occurring amino acid”, as used herein, pertains to a monovalent moiety obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a carboxyl group or an amino group on one of the amino acid compounds found commonly in nature (for example, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glycine, glutamine, glutamate, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine). The amino acid is particularly selected from isoleucine, leucine and valine, most particularly valine.

In each of these groups the carbon atom which is bonded to both a carboxyl and an amino group is known as the α carbon and the carboxyl and amino groups to which it is attached are the α-carboxyl and α-amino groups. Naturally occurring amino acids are optionally substituted with a protecting group on the α-amino group or any other amino group on the moiety, protecting groups include but are not limited to acetyl, methyl and tertbutyl carbamate (boc) groups.

Phosphonate ester: —P(O)(OR)OR′, wherein R and R′ are independently selected from C₁₋₄alkyl as defined above. Examples of a phosphonate ester include, but are not limited to —P(O)(OEt)₂.

Cyano: —C═N.

Pivaloyloxymethyl: A group of formula

Includes Other Forms

Unless otherwise specified, included in the above are the well known ionic, salt, solvate, and protected forms of these substituents. For example, a reference to carboxylic acid (—COOH) also includes the anionic (carboxylate) form (—COO—), a salt or solvate thereof, as well as conventional protected forms. Similarly, a reference to an amino group includes the protonated form (—N⁺HR¹R²), a salt or solvate of the amino group, for example, a hydrochloride salt, as well as conventional protected forms of an amino group. Similarly, a reference to a hydroxyl group also includes the anionic form (—O—), a salt or solvate thereof, as well as conventional protected forms.

Salts

It may be convenient or desirable to prepare, purify, and/or handle a corresponding salt of the active compound, for example, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are discussed in Berge, et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 66, 1-19 (1977).

For example, if the compound is anionic, or has a functional group which may be anionic (e.g. —COOH may be —COO⁻), then a salt may be formed with a suitable cation. Examples of suitable inorganic cations include, but are not limited to, alkali metal ions such as Na⁺ and K⁺, alkaline earth cations such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, and other cations such as Al⁺³. Examples of suitable organic cations include, but are not limited to, ammonium ion (i.e. NH₄ ⁺) and substituted ammonium ions (e.g. NH₃R⁺, NH₂R₂ ⁺, NHR₃ ⁺, NR₄ ⁺). Examples of some suitable substituted ammonium ions are those derived from: ethylamine, diethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, triethylamine, butylamine, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, piperazine, benzylamine, phenylbenzylamine, choline, meglumine, and tromethamine, as well as amino acids, such as lysine and arginine. An example of a common quaternary ammonium ion is N(CH₃)₄ ⁺.

If the compound is cationic, or has a functional group which may be cationic (e.g. —NH₂ may be —NH₃ ⁺), then a salt may be formed with a suitable anion. Examples of suitable inorganic anions include, but are not limited to, those derived from the following inorganic acids: hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulfuric, sulfurous, nitric, nitrous, phosphoric, and phosphorous.

Examples of suitable organic anions include, but are not limited to, those derived from the following organic acids: 2-acetyoxybenzoic, acetic, ascorbic, aspartic, benzoic, camphorsulfonic, cinnamic, citric, edetic, ethanedisulfonic, ethanesulfonic, fumaric, glucheptonic, gluconic, glutamic, glycolic, hydroxymaleic, hydroxynaphthalene carboxylic, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, lauric, maleic, malic, methanesulfonic, mucic, oleic, oxalic, palmitic, pamoic, pantothenic, phenylacetic, phenylsulfonic, propionic, pyruvic, salicylic, stearic, succinic, sulfanilic, tartaric, toluenesulfonic, trifluoroacetic acid and valeric. Examples of suitable polymeric organic anions include, but are not limited to, those derived from the following polymeric acids: tannic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose.

Solvates

It may be convenient or desirable to prepare, purify, and/or handle a corresponding solvate of the active compound. The term “solvate” is used herein in the conventional sense to refer to a complex of solute (e.g. active compound, salt of active compound) and solvent. If the solvent is water, the solvate may be conveniently referred to as a hydrate, for example, a mono-hydrate, a di-hydrate, a tri-hydrate, etc.

Isomers

Certain compounds of the invention may exist in one or more particular geometric, optical, enantiomeric, diasteriomeric, epimeric, atropic, stereoisomeric, tautomeric, conformational, or anomeric forms, including but not limited to, cis- and trans-forms; E- and Z-forms; c-, t-, and r-forms; endo- and exo-forms; R-, S-, and meso-forms; D- and L-forms; d- and l-forms; (+) and (−) forms; keto-, enol-, and enolate-forms; syn- and anti-forms; synclinal- and anticlinal-forms; α- and β-forms; axial and equatorial forms; boat-, chair-, twist-, envelope-, and halfchair-forms; and combinations thereof, hereinafter collectively referred to as “isomers” (or “isomeric forms”).

The term “chiral” refers to molecules which have the property of non-superimposability of the mirror image partner, while the term “achiral” refers to molecules which are superimposable on their mirror image partner.

The term “stereoisomers” refers to compounds which have identical chemical constitution, but differ with regard to the arrangement of the atoms or groups in space.

“Diastereomer” refers to a stereoisomer with two or more centers of chirality and whose molecules are not mirror images of one another. Diastereomers have different physical properties, e.g. melting points, boiling points, spectral properties, and reactivities. Mixtures of diastereomers may separate under high resolution analytical procedures such as electrophoresis and chromatography.

“Enantiomers” refer to two stereoisomers of a compound which are non-superimposable mirror images of one another.

Stereochemical definitions and conventions used herein generally follow S. P. Parker, Ed., McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Chemical Terms (1984) McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York; and Eliel, E. and Wilen, S., “Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1994. The compounds of the invention may contain asymmetric or chiral centers, and therefore exist in different stereoisomeric forms. It is intended that all stereoisomeric forms of the compounds of the invention, including but not limited to, diastereomers, enantiomers and atropisomers, as well as mixtures thereof such as racemic mixtures, form part of the present invention. Many organic compounds exist in optically active forms, i.e., they have the ability to rotate the plane of plane-polarized light. In describing an optically active compound, the prefixes D and L, or R and S, are used to denote the absolute configuration of the molecule about its chiral center(s). The prefixes d and l or (+) and (−) are employed to designate the sign of rotation of plane-polarized light by the compound, with (−) or l meaning that the compound is levorotatory. A compound prefixed with (+) or d is dextrorotatory. For a given chemical structure, these stereoisomers are identical except that they are mirror images of one another. A specific stereoisomer may also be referred to as an enantiomer, and a mixture of such isomers is often called an enantiomeric mixture. A 50:50 mixture of enantiomers is referred to as a racemic mixture or a racemate, which may occur where there has been no stereoselection or stereospecificity in a chemical reaction or process. The terms “racemic mixture” and “racemate” refer to an equimolar mixture of two enantiomeric species, devoid of optical activity.

Note that, except as discussed below for tautomeric forms, specifically excluded from the term “isomers”, as used herein, are structural (or constitutional) isomers (i.e. isomers which differ in the connections between atoms rather than merely by the position of atoms in space). For example, a reference to a methoxy group, —OCH₃, is not to be construed as a reference to its structural isomer, a hydroxymethyl group, —CH₂OH. Similarly, a reference to ortho-chlorophenyl is not to be construed as a reference to its structural isomer, meta-chlorophenyl. However, a reference to a class of structures may well include structurally isomeric forms falling within that class (e.g. C₁₋₇ alkyl includes n-propyl and iso-propyl; butyl includes n-, iso-, sec-, and tert-butyl; methoxyphenyl includes ortho-, meta-, and para-methoxyphenyl).

The above exclusion does not pertain to tautomeric forms, for example, keto-, enol-, and enolate-forms, as in, for example, the following tautomeric pairs: keto/enol (illustrated below), imine/enamine, amide/imino alcohol, amidine/amidine, nitroso/oxime, thioketone/enethiol, N-nitroso/hyroxyazo, and nitro/aci-nitro.

The term “tautomer” or “tautomeric form” refers to structural isomers of different energies which are interconvertible via a low energy barrier. For example, proton tautomers (also known as prototropic tautomers) include interconversions via migration of a proton, such as keto-enol and imine-enamine isomerizations. Valence tautomers include interconversions by reorganization of some of the bonding electrons.

Note that specifically included in the term “isomer” are compounds with one or more isotopic substitutions. For example, H may be in any isotopic form, including ¹H, ²H (D), and ³H (T); C may be in any isotopic form, including ¹²C, ¹³C, and ¹⁴C; O may be in any isotopic form, including ¹⁶O and ¹⁸O; and the like.

Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds of the invention include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, fluorine, and chlorine, such as, but not limited to ²H (deuterium, D), ³H (tritium), ¹¹C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸F, ³¹P, ³²P ³⁵S, ³⁶Cl, and ¹²⁵I. Various isotopically labeled compounds of the present invention, for example those into which radioactive isotopes such as ³H, ¹³C, and ¹⁴C are incorporated. Such isotopically labelled compounds may be useful in metabolic studies, reaction kinetic studies, detection or imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) including drug or substrate tissue distribution assays, or in radioactive treatment of patients. Deuterium labelled or substituted therapeutic compounds of the invention may have improved DMPK (drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics) properties, relating to distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, for example increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements. An ¹⁸F labeled compound may be useful for PET or SPECT studies. Isotopically labeled compounds of this invention and prodrugs thereof can generally be prepared by carrying out the procedures disclosed in the schemes or in the examples and preparations described below by substituting a readily available isotopically labeled reagent for a non-isotopically labeled reagent. Further, substitution with heavier isotopes, particularly deuterium (i.e., ²H or D) may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, for example increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements or an improvement in therapeutic index. It is understood that deuterium in this context is regarded as a substituent. The concentration of such a heavier isotope, specifically deuterium, may be defined by an isotopic enrichment factor. In the compounds of this invention any atom not specifically designated as a particular isotope is meant to represent any stable isotope of that atom.

Unless otherwise specified, a reference to a particular compound includes all such isomeric forms, including (wholly or partially) racemic and other mixtures thereof. Methods for the preparation (e.g. asymmetric synthesis) and separation (e.g. fractional crystallisation and chromatographic means) of such isomeric forms are either known in the art or are readily obtained by adapting the methods taught herein, or known methods, in a known manner.

Therapeutic Indications

Compounds disclosed herein may provide a therapeutic benefit in a number of disorders, in particular, in the treatment or prevention of diseases ameliorated by the modulation of STING.

One aspect of the invention provides methods of treatment or prevention of STING mediated diseases and disorders, in which agonizing STING is beneficial. Exemplary diseases/disorders includes, but are not limited to, cancer and infectious disease (such as those caused by viruses, e.g., HIV, HBV, HCV, HPV, and influenza, and bacteria). Another aspect of the invention provides the use of a STING agonist as a vaccine adjuvant.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a compound of the invention for use in therapy.

This invention also provides a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in therapy. This invention particularly provides a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of a STING-mediated disease or disorder.

This invention also provides a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a vaccine adjuvant. There is also therefore provided an immugenic composition or vaccine adjuvant comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a composition comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more immunostimulatory agents.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of the invention for use in the treatment of a STING-mediated disease or disorder and/or for use as an immugenic composition or a vaccine adjuvant. In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the amelioration of organ injury or damage sustained as a result of a STING-mediated disease or disorder.

The invention further provides for the use of a compound of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of a STING-mediated disease or disorder. The invention further provides for the use of a compound of Formula I, or a salt thereof, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of a STING-mediated disease or disorder, for example the diseases and disorders recited herein.

The invention further provides for the use of a compound of Formula I, or a salt thereof, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a vaccine. There is further provided the use of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of an immugenic composition comprising an antigen or antigenic composition, for the treatment or prevention of disease. There is further provided the use of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a vaccine composition comprising an antigen or antigenic composition, for the treatment or prevention of disease.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of treating a STING-mediated disease or disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of this invention to a human in need thereof. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of treating a STING-mediated disease or disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I or a salt, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a human in need thereof.

Infectious Diseases

The compounds of this invention may be used to treat an infectious disease, which is any disease instigated by or coincident with an infection from a pathogen. Pathogens are broadly defined as any species of organism that is foreign to a human tissue environment. Common disease causing pathogens include bacteria (many like TB), viruses (many like HBV, HIV, flu) and parasitic protozoans (like P falciparum that causes malaria). The compounds of this invention may be used to treat infectious diseases derived from bacteria, such as TB infection Mycobacterium tuberculosis), Chlamydia, Tularemia infection Francisella tularensis), Plasmodium infection or infections from DNA or RNA virus. The compounds of this invention may be used to treat infectious diseases derived from the DNA virus families: Herpesviridae (herpes simplex virus-1, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated virus and Epstein-Barr virus), Papillomaviridae (human papilloma virus), Adenovirus and Hepadnaviridae (Hepatitis B virus). Examples of RNA virus families include Retroviridae (human immunodeficiency virus) Flaviviridae (Dengue virus, Hepatitis C virus), Orthomyxoviridae (influenza), and Coronaviridae (human coronavirus and SARS coronavirus).

Cancer

As used herein, the terms “cancer”, “neoplasm,” and “tumor” are used interchangeably and, in either the singular or plural form, refer to cells that have undergone a malignant transformation that makes them pathological to the host organism. Primary cancer cells can be readily distinguished from non-cancerous cells by well-established techniques, particularly histological examination. The definition of a cancer cell, as used herein, includes not only a primary cancer cell, but any cell derived from a cancer cell ancestor. This includes metastasized cancer cells, and in vitro cultures and cell lines derived from cancer cells. When referring to a type of cancer that normally manifests as a solid tumor, a “clinically detectable” tumor is one that is detectable on the basis of tumor mass; e.g., by procedures such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound or palpation on physical examination, and/or which is detectable because of the expression of one or more cancer-specific antigens in a sample obtainable from a patient. Tumors may be a hematopoietic (or hematologic or hematological or blood-related) cancer, for example, cancers derived from blood cells or immune cells, which may be referred to as “liquid tumors.” Specific examples of clinical conditions based on hematologic tumors include leukemias, such as chronic myelocytic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia; plasma cell malignancies such as multiple myeloma, MGUS and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; lymphomas such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma; and the like.

The cancer may be any cancer in which an abnormal number of blast cells or unwanted cell proliferation is present or that is diagnosed as a hematological cancer, including both lymphoid and myeloid malignancies. Myeloid malignancies include, but are not limited to, acute myeloid (or myelocytic or myelogenous or myeloblasts) leukemia (undifferentiated or differentiated), acute promyeloid (or promyelocytic or promyelogenous or promyeloblastic) leukemia, acute myelomonocytic (or myelomonoblastic) leukemia, acute monocytic (or monoblastic) leukemia, erythroleukemia and megakaryocytic (or megakaryoblastic) leukemia. These leukemias may be referred together as acute myeloid (or myelocytic or myelogenous) leukemia (AML). Myeloid malignancies also include myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) which include, but are not limited to, chronic myelogenous (or myeloid) leukemia (CML), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), essential thrombocythemia (or thrombocytosis), and polycythemia vera (PCV). Myeloid malignancies also include myelodysplasia (or myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS), which may be referred to as refractory anemia (RA), refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), and refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEBT); as well as myelofibrosis (MFS) with or without agnogenic myeloid metaplasia.

Hematopoietic cancers also include lymphoid malignancies, which may affect the lymph nodes, spleens, bone marrow, peripheral blood, and/or extranodal sites. Lymphoid cancers include B-cell malignancies, which include, but are not limited to, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHLs). B-NHLs may be indolent (or low-grade), intermediate-grade (or aggressive) or high-grade (very aggressive). Indolent B cell lymphomas include follicular lymphoma (FL); small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL); marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) including nodal MZL, extranodal MZL, splenic MZL and splenic MZL with villous lymphocytes; lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL); and mucosa-associated-lymphoid tissue (MALT or extranodal marginal zone) lymphoma. Intermediate-grade B-NHLs include mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) with or without leukemic involvement, diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular large cell (or grade 3 or grade 3B) lymphoma, and primary mediastinal lymphoma (PML). High-grade B-NHLs include Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), Burkitt-like lymphoma, small non-cleaved cell lymphoma (SNCCL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma. Other B-NHLs include immunoblastic lymphoma (or immunocytoma), primary effusion lymphoma, HIV associated (or AIDS related) lymphomas, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) or lymphoma. B-cell malignancies also include, but are not limited to, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL), Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), hairy cell leukemia (HCL), large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia, acute lymphoid (or lymphocytic or lymphoblastic) leukemia, and Castleman's disease. NHL may also include T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma s(T-NHLs), which include, but are not limited to T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma not otherwise specified (NOS), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), angioimmunoblastic lymphoid disorder (AILD), nasal natural killer (NK) cell/T-cell lymphoma, gamma/delta lymphoma, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, and Sezary syndrome.

Hematopoietic cancers also include Hodgkin's lymphoma (or disease) including classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma, mixed cellularity Hodgkin's lymphoma, lymphocyte predominant (LP) Hodgkin's lymphoma, nodular LP Hodgkin's lymphoma, and lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hematopoietic cancers also include plasma cell diseases or cancers such as multiple myeloma (MM) including smoldering MM, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined (or unknown or unclear) significance (MGUS), plasmacytoma (bone, extra medullary), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL), Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia, plasma cell leukemia, and primary amyloidosis (AL). Hematopoietic cancers may also include other cancers of additional hematopoietic cells, including polymorphonuclear leukocytes (or neutrophils), basophils, eosinophils, dendritic cells, platelets, erythrocytes and natural killer cells. Tissues which include hematopoietic cells referred herein to as “hematopoietic cell tissues” include bone marrow; peripheral blood; thymus; and peripheral lymphoid tissues, such as spleen, lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues associated with mucosa (such as the gut-associated lymphoid tissues), tonsils, Peyer's patches and appendix, and lymphoid tissues associated with other mucosa, for example, the bronchial linings.

Examples of cancer diseases and conditions in which a compounds of this invention may have potentially beneficial antitumor effects include, but are not limited to, cancers of the lung, bone, pancreas, skin, head, neck, uterus, ovaries, stomach, colon, breast, esophagus, small intestine, bowel, endocrine system, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, urethra, prostate, penis, testes, ureter, bladder, kidney or liver; rectal cancer; cancer of the anal region; carcinomas of the fallopian tubes, endometrium, cervix, vagina, vulva, renal pelvis, renal cell; sarcoma of soft tissue; myxoma; rhabdomyoma; fibroma; lipoma; teratoma; cholangiocarcinoma; hepatoblastoma; angiosarcoma; hemangioma; hepatoma; fibrosarcoma; chondrosarcoma; myeloma; chronic or acute leukemia; lymphocytic lymphomas; primary CNS lymphoma; neoplasms of the CNS; spinal axis tumors; squamous cell carcinomas; synovial sarcoma; malignant pleural mesotheliomas; brain stem glioma; pituitary adenoma; bronchial adenoma; chondromatous hamartoma; mesothelioma; Hodgkin's Disease or a combination of one or more of the foregoing cancers. Suitably the present invention relates to a method for treating or lessening the severity of cancers selected from the group consisting of brain (gliomas), glioblastomas, astrocytomas, glioblastoma multiforme, Bannayan-Zonana syndrome, Cowden disease, Lhermitte-Duclos disease, Wilm's tumor, Ewing's sarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, head and neck, kidney, liver, melanoma, ovarian, pancreatic, adenocarcinoma, ductal adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, acinar cell carcinoma, glucagonoma, insulinoma, prostate, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, giant cell tumor of bone, thyroid, lymphoblastic T cell leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hairy-cell leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic T cell leukemia, plasmacytoma, immunoblastic large cell leukemia, mantle cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, megakaryoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute megakaryocytic leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia, erythroleukemia, malignant lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lymphoblastic T cell lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, neuroblastoma, bladder cancer, urothelial cancer, vulval cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, renal cancer, mesothelioma, esophageal cancer, salivary gland cancer, hepatocellular cancer, gastric cancer, nasopharangeal cancer, buccal cancer, cancer of the mouth, GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) and testicular cancer.

In some embodiments, the compounds of the present invention may be used to treat solid or liquid tumors. In some embodiments, the compounds of the present invention may be used to treat sarcoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastroesophageal cancer, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), lymphomas, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and/or Non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Suitably the present invention relates to a method for treating or lessening the severity of pre-cancerous syndromes in a mammal, including a human, wherein the pre-cancerous syndrome is selected from: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, cervical lesions, skin nevi (pre-melanoma), prostatic intraepithelial (intraductal) neoplasia (PIN), Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS), colon polyps and severe hepatitis or cirrhosis.

In one aspect the human has a solid tumor. In one aspect the tumor is selected from head and neck cancer, gastric cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), esophageal cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. In one aspect the human has one or more of the following: colorectal cancer (CRC), esophageal, cervical, bladder, breast, head and neck, ovarian, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), EC squamous cell, non-small cell lung carcinoma, mesothelioma, and prostate cancer. In another aspect the human has a liquid tumor such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), multiple myeloma, chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia. In one embodiment, the compounds of the present invention may be useful for treatment of skin cancers (e.g., non-melanoma skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma) or actinic keratosis. In addition to a field effect for clearing superficial skin cancers, the compounds of the present invention may prevent the development of subsequent skin cancers and pre-malignant actinic keratosis in treated patients.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases associated include, but are not limited to STING associated vasculitis with onset at infancy (SAVI), Aicardi Goutieres syndrome (AGS), chilblain lupus, ataxia telanogiectasia (also referred to as Louis-Bar Syndrome), retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy (RCVL), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cutaneous lupus, lupus nephritis, psoriasis, diabetes mellitus including insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), dermatomyositis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS, polymyositis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), and Sjogren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, polyarthritis, myasthenia gravis, polyarteritis nodosa, vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopi polyangiitis, Behcet's disease, spondylitis, giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatic, Raynaud's phenomenon, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary angiitis of the central nervous system microscopic polyangiitis, neuromyelitis optica and mixed connective tissue disease.

Inflammation

Inflammation represents a group of vascular, cellular and neurological responses to trauma. Inflammation can be characterized as the movement of inflammatory cells such as monocytes, neutrophils and granulocytes into the tissues. This is usually associated with reduced endothelial barrier function and oedema into the tissues. Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes from the blood into the injured tissues. A cascade of biochemical event propagates and matures the inflammatory response, involving the local vascular system, the immune system, and various cells within the injured tissue. Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells which are present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.

When occurring as part of an immune response to infection or as an acute response to trauma, inflammation can be beneficial and is normally self-limiting. However, inflammation can be detrimental under various conditions. This includes the production of excessive inflammation in response to infectious agents, which can lead to significant organ damage and death (for example, in the setting of sepsis). Moreover, chronic inflammation is generally deleterious and is at the root of numerous chronic diseases, causing severe and irreversible damage to tissues. In such settings, the immune response is often directed against self-tissues (autoimmunity), although chronic responses to foreign entities can also lead to bystander damage to self-tissues.

The aim of anti-inflammatory therapy is therefore to reduce this inflammation, to inhibit autoimmunity when present, and to allow for the physiological process or healing and tissue repair to progress.

The compounds of this invention may be used to treat inflammation of any tissue and organs of the body, including musculoskeletal inflammation, vascular inflammation, neural inflammation, digestive system inflammation, ocular inflammation, inflammation of the reproductive system, and other inflammation, as exemplified below.

Musculoskeletal inflammation refers to any inflammatory condition of the musculoskeletal system, particularly those conditions affecting skeletal joints, including joints of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, jaw, spine, neck, hip, knee, ankle, and foot, and conditions affecting tissues connecting muscles to bones such as tendons. Examples of musculoskeletal inflammation which may be treated with compounds of the invention include arthritis (including, for example, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute and chronic infectious arthritis, arthritis associated with gout and pseudogout, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis), tendonitis, synovitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, fibrositis (fibromyalgia), epicondylitis, myositis, and osteitis (including, for example, Paget's disease, osteitis pubis, and osteitis fibrosa cystic).

Ocular inflammation refers to inflammation of any structure of the eye, including the eye lids. Examples of ocular inflammation which may be treated with the compounds of the invention include blepharitis, blepharochalasis, conjunctivitis, dacryoadenitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), scleritis, trichiasis, and uveitis.

Examples of inflammation of the nervous system which may be treated with the compounds of the invention include encephalitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, meningitis, neuromyotonia, narcolepsy, multiple sclerosis, myelitis, CNS vasculitis, and schizophrenia.

Examples of inflammation of the vasculature or lymphatic system which may be treated with the compounds of the invention include arthrosclerosis, arthritis, phlebitis, vasculitis, and lymphangitis.

Examples of inflammatory conditions of the digestive system which may be treated with the compounds of the invention include cholangitis, cholecystitis, enteritis, enterocolitis, gastritis, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), ileitis, and proctitis.

Examples of inflammatory conditions of the reproductive system which may be treated with the compounds of the invention include cervicitis, chorioamnionitis, endometritis, epididymitis, omphalitis, oophoritis, orchitis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, urethritis, vaginitis, vulvitis, and vulvodynia.

The compounds of this invention may be used to treat autoimmune conditions having an inflammatory component. Such conditions include acute disseminated alopecia universalise, Behcet's disease, Chagas' disease, STING associated vasculitis with onset at infancy (SAVI), Aicardi Goutieres syndrome (AGS), chilblain lupus, ataxia telangiectasia (also referred to as Louis-Bar Syndrome), retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy (RCVL), ANCA)-associated vasculitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, dysautonomia, encephalomyelitis, ankylosing spondylitis, aplastic anemia, hidradenitis suppurativa, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune oophoritis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, diabetes mellitus type 1, giant cell arteritis, goodpasture's syndrome, Grave's disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hashimoto's disease, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, Kawasaki's disease, lupus erythematosus, microscopic colitis, microscopic polyarteritis, mixed connective tissue disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome, optic neuritis, ord's thyroiditis, pemphigus, polyarteritis nodosa, polymyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, temporal arteritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, interstitial cystitis, lyme disease, morphea, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, ulcerative colitis, and vitiligo.

The compounds of this invention may be used to treat T-cell mediated hypersensitivity diseases having an inflammatory component. Such conditions include contact hypersensitivity, contact dermatitis (including that due to poison ivy), uticaria, skin allergies, respiratory allergies (hayfever, allergic rhinitis) and gluten-sensitive enteropathy (Celiac disease).

Other inflammatory conditions which may be treated with the compounds of this invention include, for example, appendicitis, dermatitis, dermatomyositis, endocarditis, fibrositis, gingivitis, glossitis, hepatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, iritis, laryngitis, mastitis, myocarditis, nephritis, otitis, pancreatitis, parotitis, percarditis, peritonitis, pharyngitis, pleuritis, pneumonitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis, and stomatitis, transplant rejection (involving organs such as kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas (e.g., islet cells), bone marrow, cornea, small bowel, skin allografts, skin homografts, and heart valve xenografts, serum sickness, and graft vs host disease), acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, Sezary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, nonsuppurative thyroiditis, hypercalcemia associated with cancer, pemphigus, bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, severe erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, iritis and iridocyclitis, chorioretinitis, optic neuritis, symptomatic sarcoidosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis chemotherapy, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, secondary thrombocytopenia in adults, acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, leukemia and lymphomas in adults, acute leukemia of childhood, regional enteritis, autoimmune vasculitis, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, solid organ transplant rejection, sepsis. Preferred treatments include treatment of transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, chronic pulmonary disease, and inflammation accompanying infectious conditions (e.g., sepsis). In one embodiment, the compounds of this invention may be used to treat asthma.

Cellular Proliferation

The compounds of the present invention may also be useful in the treatment of one or more diseases afflicting mammals which are characterized by cellular proliferation in the area of disorders associated with neo-vascularization and/or vascular permeability including blood vessel proliferative disorders including arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) and restenosis; fibrotic disorders including hepatic cirrhosis and atherosclerosis; mesangial cell proliferative disorders include glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, malignant nephrosclerosis, thrombotic microangiopathy syndromes, proliferative retinopathies, organ transplant rejection and glomerulopathies; and metabolic disorders include psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, chronic wound healing, inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

The compounds of this invention may be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Exemplary neurodegenerative diseases includes, but are not limited to, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Combinations

The compounds of this invention may be employed alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents. As modulators of the immune response, the compounds of this invention may also be used in monotherapy or used in combination with another therapeutic agent in the treatment of diseases and conditions in which modulation of STING is beneficial. Combination therapies according to the present invention thus comprise the administration of a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one other therapeutically active agent. In one embodiment, combination therapies according to the present invention comprise the administration of at least one compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one other therapeutic agent. The compound(s) of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and the other therapeutic agent(s) may be administered together in a single pharmaceutical composition or separately and, when administered separately this may occur simultaneously or sequentially in any order. The amounts of the compound(s) of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and the other therapeutic agent(s) and the relative timings of administration will be selected in order to achieve the desired combined therapeutic effect. Thus in a further aspect, there is provided a combination comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with one or more other therapeutic agents.

The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be used in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents which may be useful in the prevention or treatment of allergic disease, inflammatory disease, or autoimmune disease, for example; antigen immunotherapy, anti-histamines, steroids, NSAIDs, bronchodilators (e.g. beta 2 agonists, adrenergic agonists, anticholinergic agents, theophylline), methotrexate, leukotriene modulators and similar agents; monoclonal antibody therapy such as anti-IgE, anti-TNF, anti-IL-5, anti-IL-6, anti-IL-12, anti-IL-1 and similar agents; receptor therapies e.g. etanercept and similar agents; antigen non-specific immunotherapies (e.g. interferon or other cytokines/chemokines, cytokine/chemokine receptor modulators, cytokine agonists or antagonists, TLR agonists and similar agents).

The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be used in combination with radiotherapy and/or surgery and/or at least one other therapeutic agent which may be useful in the treatment of cancer and pre-cancerous syndromes. Any anti-neoplastic agent that has activity versus a susceptible tumor being treated may be utilized in the combination. Typical anti-neoplastic agents useful include, but are not limited to, (a) anti-microtubule agents such as diterpenoids (e.g. paclitaxel, docetaxel) and vinca alkaloids (e.g. vinblastine, vincristine, and vinorelbine); (b) platinum coordination complexes (e.g. oxaliplatin, cisplatin and carboplatin); (c) alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards (e.g. cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and chlorambucil), oxazaphosphorines, alkylsulfonates (e.g. busulfan), nitrosoureas (e.g. carmustine), and triazenes (e.g. dacarbazine); (d) antibiotic agents such as anthracyclins (e.g. daunorubicin and doxorubicin), actinomycins (e.g. dactinomycin) and bleomycins; (e) topoisomerase II inhibitors such as epipodophyllotoxins (e.g. etoposide and teniposide); (f) antimetabolites such as purine and pyrimidine analogues and anti-folate compounds (e.g. fluorouracil, methotrexate, cytarabine, mercaptopurine, thioguanine, and gemcitabine); (g) topoisomerase I inhibitors such as camptothecins (e.g. irinotecan, topotecan, and various optical forms of 7-(4-methylpiperazino-methylene)-10,11-ethylenedioxy-20-camptothecin); (h) hormones and hormonal analogues (e.g. adrenocorticosteroids such as prednisone and prednisolone which are useful in the treatment of malignant lymphoma and acute leukemia in children; aminoglutethimide and other aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, letrozole, vorozole, and exemestane useful in the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma and hormone dependent breast carcinoma containing estrogen receptors; progestins such as megestrol acetate useful in the treatment of hormone dependent breast cancer and endometrial carcinoma; estrogens, and anti-estrogens such as fulvestrant, flutamide, nilutamide, bicalutamide, cyproterone acetate and 5-reductases such as finasteride and dutasteride, useful in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma and benign prostatic hypertrophy; anti-estrogens such as tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene, droloxifene, iodoxyfene, as well as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) such those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,681,835, 5,877,219, and 6,207,716, useful in the treatment of hormone dependent breast carcinoma and other susceptible cancers; and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and analogues thereof which stimulate the release of leutinizing hormone (LH) and/or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) for the treatment prostatic carcinoma, for instance, LHRH agonists and antagonists such as goserelin acetate and leuprolide); (i) signal transduction pathway inhibitors; (j) non-receptor tyrosine angiogenesis inhibitors; (k) immunotherapeutic agents (e.g. ex-vivo and in-vivo approaches to increase the immunogenicity of patient tumor cells, such as transfection with cytokines such as interleukin 2, interleukin 4 or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, approaches to decrease T-cell energy, approaches using transfected immune cells such as cytokine-transfected dendritic cells, approaches using cytokine-transfected tumor cell lines and approaches using anti-idiotypic antibodies); (1) proapoptotic agents (e.g. bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotides); (m) cell cycle signalling inhibitors; (n) immuno-oncology agents and (o) immunostimulatory agents.

Signal Transduction Pathway Inhibitors

Signal transduction pathway inhibitors are those inhibitors, which block or inhibit a chemical process which evokes an intracellular change. As used herein this change is cell proliferation or differentiation. Signal transduction inhibitors useful in the present invention include inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases, non-receptor tyrosine kinases, SH2/SH3domain blockers, serine/threonine kinases, phosphotidyl inositol-3 kinases, myo-inositol signalling, and Ras oncogenes.

Several protein tyrosine kinases catalyze the phosphorylation of specific tyrosyl residues in various proteins involved in the regulation of cell growth. Such protein tyrosine kinases can be broadly classified as receptor or non-receptor kinases.

Receptor tyrosine kinases are transmembrane proteins having an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and a tyrosine kinase domain. Receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in the regulation of cell growth and are generally termed growth factor receptors. Inappropriate or uncontrolled activation of many of these kinases, i.e. aberrant kinase growth factor receptor activity, for example by over-expression or mutation, has been shown to result in uncontrolled cell growth. Accordingly, the aberrant activity of such kinases has been linked to malignant tissue growth. Consequently, inhibitors of such kinases could provide cancer treatment methods. Growth factor receptors include, for example, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFr), erbB2, erbB4, ret, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFr), tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and epidermal growth factor homology domains (TIE-2), insulin growth factor-I (IGFI) receptor, macrophage colony stimulating factor (cfms), BTK, ckit, cmet, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors, Trk receptors (TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC), ephrin (eph) receptors, and the RET protooncogene. Several inhibitors of growth receptors are under development and include ligand antagonists, antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-sense oligonucleotides. Growth factor receptors and agents that inhibit growth factor receptor function are described, for instance, in Kath 2000; Shawver 1997; and Lofts 1994.

Tyrosine kinases, which are not growth factor receptor kinases, are termed nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. Non-receptor tyrosine kinases useful in the present invention, which are targets or potential targets of anti-cancer drugs, include cSrc, Lck, Fyn, Yes, Jak, cAbl, FAK (Focal adhesion kinase), Brutons tyrosine kinase, and Bcr-Abl. Such non-receptor kinases and agents which inhibit non-receptor tyrosine kinase function are described in Sinh 1999; and Bolen 1997.

SH2/SH3 domain blockers are agents that disrupt SH2 or SH3 domain binding in a variety of enzymes or adaptor proteins including, PI3-K p85 subunit, Src family kinases, adaptor molecules (She, Crk, Nek, Grb2) and Ras-GAP. SH2/SH3 domains as targets for anticancer drugs are discussed in Smithgall 1995.

Inhibitors of Serine/Threonine Kinases including MAP kinase cascade blockers which include blockers of Raf kinases (rafk), Mitogen or Extracellular Regulated Kinase (MEKs), and Extracellular Regulated Kinases (ERKs); and Protein kinase C family member blockers including blockers of PKCs (alpha, beta, gamma, epsilon, mu, lambda, iota, zeta). IkB kinase family (IKKa, IKKb), PKB family kinases, akt kinase family members, and TGF beta receptor kinases. Such Serine/Threonine kinases and inhibitors thereof are described in Yamamoto 1999; Brodt 2000; Massagué 1996; Philip 1995; Lackey 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,391; and Martinez-Lacaci 2000.

Inhibitors of Phosphotidyl inositol-3 Kinase family members including blockers of Pekinese, ATM, DNA-PK, and Ku are also useful in the present invention. Such kinases are discussed in Abraham 1996; Canman 1998; Jackson 1997; and Zhong 2000.

Also useful in the present invention are Myo-inositol signalling inhibitors such as phospholipase C blockers and Myoinositol analogues. Such signal inhibitors are described in Powis 1994.

Another group of signal transduction pathway inhibitors are inhibitors of Ras Oncogene. Such inhibitors include inhibitors of farnesyltransferase, geranyl-geranyl transferase, and CAAX proteases as well as anti-sense oligonucleotides, ribozymes and immunotherapy. Such inhibitors have been shown to block ras activation in cells containing wild type mutant ras, thereby acting as antiproliferation agents. Ras oncogene inhibition is discussed in Scharovsky 2000; Ashby 1998; and Oliff 1999.

As mentioned above, antibody antagonists to receptor kinase ligand binding may also serve as signal transduction inhibitors. This group of signal transduction pathway inhibitors includes the use of humanized antibodies to the extracellular ligand binding domain of receptor tyrosine kinases. For example Imclone C225 EGFR specific antibody (see Green 2000); Herceptin® erbB2 antibody (see Stern 2000); and 2CB VEGFR2 specific antibody (see Brekken 2000).

Non-Receptor Tyrosine Angiogenesis Inhibitors

Anti-angiogenic therapeutic agents including non-receptor MEK angiogenesis inhibitors may also be useful. Anti-angiogenic agents such as those which inhibit the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor, (for example the anti-vascular endothelial cell growth factor antibody bevacizumab [Avastin™], and compounds that work by other mechanisms (for example linomide, inhibitors of integrin αvβ3 function, endostatin and angiostatin).

Cell Cycle Signalling Inhibitors

Cell cycle signalling inhibitors inhibit molecules involved in the control of the cell cycle. A family of protein kinases called cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) and their interaction with a family of proteins termed cyclins controls progression through the eukaryotic cell cycle. The coordinate activation and inactivation of different cyclin/CDK complexes is necessary for normal progression through the cell cycle. Several inhibitors of cell cycle signalling are under development. For instance, examples of cyclin dependent kinases, including CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6 and inhibitors for the same are described in, for instance, Rosania 2000.

Immuno-Modulators

Additional examples of other therapeutic agents (e.g., anti-neoplastic agent) for use in combination or co-administered with a compound of Formula I are immuno-modulators. As used herein “immuno-modulators” refer to any substance including monoclonal antibodies that affects the immune system. Immuno-modulators can be used as anti-neoplastic agents for the treatment of cancer. For example, immune-modulators include, but are not limited to, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies such as ipilimumab (YERVOY) and anti-PD-1 antibodies (Opdivo/nivolumab and Keytruda/pembrolizumab). Other immuno-modulators include, but are not limited to, ICOS antibodies, OX-40 antibodies, PD-L1 antibodies, LAG3 antibodies, TIM-3 antibodies, 41BB antibodies and GITR antibodies.

Anti-PD-L1 Agents

Additional examples of other therapeutic agents (anti-neoplastic agent) for use in combination or co-administered with a compound of this invention are anti-PD-L1 agents. Anti-PD-L1 antibodies and methods of making the same are known in the art. Such antibodies to PD-L1 may be polyclonal or monoclonal, and/or recombinant, and/or humanized. Exemplary PD-L1 antibodies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,217,149, 8,383,796, 8,552,154, 9,212,224, and 8,779,108, and US Patent Appln. Pub. Nos. 2011/0280877, 2014/0341902 and 2013/0045201. Additional exemplary antibodies to PD-L1 (also referred to as CD274 or B7-H1) and methods for use are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,943,743, 8,168,179, and 7,595,048; WO2014/055897, WO2016/007235; and US Patent Appln. Pub. Nos. 2013/0034559 and 2015/0274835. PD-L1 antibodies are in development as immuno-modulatory agents for the treatment of cancer.

In one embodiment, the antibody to PD-L1 is an antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,149. In another embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody comprises the CDRs of an antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,149. In another embodiment, the antibody to PD-L1 is an antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,779,108. In another embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody comprises the CDRs of an antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,779,108. In another embodiment, the antibody to PD-L1 is an antibody disclosed in US Patent Appln. Pub. No. 2013/0045201. In another embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody comprises the CDRs of an antibody disclosed in US Patent Appln. Pub. No. 2013/0045201. In one embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is BMS-936559 (MDX-1105), which was described in WO 2007/005874. In another embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is MPDL3280A (RG7446). In another embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is MED14736, which is an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody described in WO 2011/066389 and US 2013/034559. In another embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is TECENTRIQ™ (atezolizumab), which is an anti-PD-L1 cancer immunotherapy which was approved in the US in May 2016 for specific types of bladder cancer. In another embodiment, anti-PD-L1 antibody is YW243.55.S70 which is an anti-PD-L1 described in WO 2010/077634 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,149. Examples of anti-PD-L1 antibodies useful for the methods of this invention, and methods for making thereof are described in PCT patent application WO 2010/077634, WO 2007/005874, WO 2011/066389, U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,149, and US 2013/034559.

PD-1 Antagonist

Additional examples of other therapeutic agents (anti-neoplastic agent) for use in combination or co-administered with a compound of this invention are PD-1 antagonists. “PD-1 antagonist” means any chemical compound or biological molecule that blocks binding of PD-L1 expressed on a cancer cell to PD-1 expressed on an immune cell (T cell, B cell or NKT cell) and preferably also blocks binding of PD-L2 expressed on a cancer cell to the immune-cell expressed PD-1. Alternative names or synonyms for PD-1 and its ligands include: PDCDI, PDI, CD279 and SLEB2 for PD-1; PDCDILI, PDLI, B7H1, B7-4, CD274 and B7-H for PD-LI; and PDCD1L2, PDL2, B7-DC, Btdc and CD273 for PD-L2. In any embodiments of the aspects or embodiments of the present invention in which a human individual is to be treated, the PD-1 antagonist blocks binding of human PD-L1 to human PD-1, and preferably blocks binding of both human PD-L1 and PD-L2 to human PD-1. Human PD-1 amino acid sequences can be found in NCBI Locus No.: NP_005009. Human PD-L1 and PD-L2 amino acid sequences can be found in NCBI Locus No.: NP_054862 and NP_079515, respectively.

PD-1 antagonists useful in any of the aspects of the present invention include a monoclonal antibody (mAb), or antigen binding fragment thereof, which specifically binds to PD-1 or PD-L1, and preferably specifically binds to human PD-1 or human PD-L1. The mAb may be a human antibody, a humanized antibody or a chimeric antibody, and may include a human constant region. In some embodiments, the human constant region is selected from the group consisting of IgGI, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 constant regions, and in preferred embodiments, the human constant region is an IgGI or IgG4 constant region. In some embodiments, the antigen binding fragment is selected from the group consisting of Fab, Fab′-SH, F(ab′)₂, scFv and Fv fragments.

Examples of mAbs that bind to human PD-1, and useful in the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,488,802, 7,521,051, 8,008,449, 8,354,509, 8,168,757, WO2004/004771, WO2004/072286, WO2004/056875, and US2011/0271358. Specific anti-human PD-1 mAbs useful as the PD-1 antagonist in any of the aspects and embodiments of the present invention include: MK-3475, a humanized IgG4 mAb with the structure described in WHO Drug Information, Vol. 27, No. 2, pages 161-162 (2013) and which comprises the heavy and light chain amino acid sequences shown in FIG. 6; nivolumab, a human IgG4 mAb with the structure described in WHO Drug Information, Vol. 27, No. 1, pages 68-69 (2013) and which comprises the heavy and light chain amino acid sequences shown in FIG. 7; the humanized antibodies h409AII, h409A16 and h409A17, which are described in WO2008/156712, and AMP-514, which is being developed by Medimmune.

Other PD-1 antagonists useful in the any of the aspects and embodiments of the present invention include an immunoadhesin that specifically binds to PD-1, and preferably specifically binds to human PD-1, e.g., a fusion protein containing the extracellular or PD-1 binding portion of PD-L1 or PD-L2 fused to a constant region such as an Fc region of an immunoglobulin molecule. Examples of immunoadhesion molecules that specifically bind to PD-1 are described in WO2010/027827 and WO2011/066342. Specific fusion proteins useful as the PD-1 antagonist in the treatment method, medicaments and uses of the present invention include AMP-224 (also known as B7-DCIg), which is a PD-L2-FC fusion protein and binds to human PD-1.

Other examples of mAbs that bind to human PD-L1, and useful in the treatment method, medicaments and uses of the present invention, are described in WO2013/019906, WO2010/077634 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,383,796. Specific anti-human PD-L1 mAbs useful as the PD-1 antagonist in the treatment method, medicaments and uses of the present invention include MPDL3280A, BMS-936559, MED14736, MSB0010718C.

KEYTRUDA/pembrolizumab is an anti-PD-1 antibody marketed for the treatment of lung cancer by Merck. The amino acid sequence of pembrolizumab and methods of using are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,168,757.

Opdivo/nivolumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody marketed by Bristol Myers Squibb directed against the negative immunoregulatory human cell surface receptor PD-1 (programmed death-1 or programmed cell death-I/PCD-1) with immunopotentiation activity. Nivolumab binds to and blocks the activation of PD-1, an Ig superfamily transmembrane protein, by its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, resulting in the activation of T-cells and cell-mediated immune responses against tumor cells or pathogens. Activated PD-1 negatively regulates T-cell activation and effector function through the suppression of PI3K/Akt pathway activation. Other names for nivolumab include: BMS-936558, MDX-1106, and ONO-4538. The amino acid sequence for nivolumab and methods of using and making are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,008,449.

Antibodies to ICOS

Additional examples of other therapeutic agents (anti-neoplastic agent) for use in combination or co-administered with a compound of Formula I are antibodies to ICOS. ICOS is a co-stimulatory T cell receptor with structural and functional relation to the CD28/CTLA-4-Ig superfamily (Hutloff 1999). Activation of ICOS occurs through binding by ICOS-L (B7RP-1/B7-H2). Neither B7-1 nor B7-2 (ligands for CD28 and CTLA4) bind or activate ICOS. However, ICOS-L has been shown to bind weakly to both CD28 and CTLA-4 (Yao 2011). Expression of ICOS appears to be restricted to T cells. ICOS expression levels vary between different T cell subsets and on T cell activation status. ICOS expression has been shown on resting TH17, T follicular helper (TFH) and regulatory T (Treg) cells; however, unlike CD28; it is not highly expressed on naive THI and TH2 effector T cell populations (Paulos 2010). ICOS expression is highly induced on CD4+ and CD8+ effector T cells following activation through TCR engagement (Wakamatsu 2013).

CDRs for murine antibodies to human ICOS having agonist activity are shown in PCT/EP2012/055735 (WO 2012/131004). Antibodies to ICOS are also disclosed in WO 2008/137915, WO 2010/056804, EP1374902, EP1374901, and EP1125585. Agonist antibodies to ICOS or ICOS binding proteins are disclosed in WO2012/131004, WO 2014/033327, WO2016/120789, US20160215059, and US20160304610. In one embodiment, agonist antibodies to ICOS include ICOS binding proteins or antigen binding portions thereof comprising one or more of: CDRHI as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1; CDRH2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2; CDRH3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; CDRLI as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; CDRL2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 and/or CDRL3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or a direct equivalent of each CDR wherein a direct equivalent has no more than two amino acid substitutions in said CDR as disclosed in WO2016/120789, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. In one embodiment, the ICOS binding protein or antigen binding portion thereof is an agonist antibody to ICOS comprising a VH domain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and/or a VL domain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 as set forth in WO2016/120789 wherein said ICOS binding protein specifically binds to human ICOS. In one embodiment, the ICOS binding protein is an agonist antibody to ICOS comprising a VH domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 as set forth in WO2016/120789.

Yervoy (ipilimumab) is a fully human CTLA-4 antibody marketed by Bristol Myers Squibb. The protein structure of ipilimumab and methods are using are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,984,720 and 7,605,238.

CD134, also known as OX40, is a member of the TNFR-superfamily of receptors which is not constitutively expressed on resting naive T cells, unlike CD28. OX40 is a secondary costimulatory molecule, expressed after 24 to 72 hours following activation; its ligand, OX40L, is also not expressed on resting antigen presenting cells, but is following their activation. Expression of OX40 is dependent on full activation of the T cell; without CD28, expression of OX40 is delayed and of fourfold lower levels. OX-40 antibodies, OX-40 fusion proteins and methods of using them are disclosed in US Patent Nos: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,504,101; 7,758,852; 7,858,765; 7,550,140; 7,960,515; WO2012/027328; WO2013/028231.

In one embodiment, the OX40 antigen binding protein is one disclosed in WO2012/027328 (PCT/US2011/048752), international filing date 23 Aug. 2011. In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises the CDRs of an antibody disclosed in WO2012/027328 (PCT/US2011/048752), international filing date 23 Aug. 2011, or CDRs with 90% identity to the disclosed CDR sequences. In a further embodiment the antigen binding protein comprises a VH, a VL, or both of an antibody disclosed in WO2012/027328 (PCT/US2011/048752), international filing date 23 Aug. 2011, or a VH or a VL with 90% identity to the disclosed VH or VL sequences.

In another embodiment, the OX40 antigen binding protein is disclosed in WO2013/028231 (PCT/US2012/024570), international filing date 9 Feb. 2012, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises the CDRs of an antibody disclosed in WO2013/028231 (PCT/US2012/024570), international filing date 9 Feb. 2012, or CDRs with 90% identity to the disclosed CDR sequences. In a further embodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises a VH, a VL, or both of an antibody disclosed in WO2013/028231 (PCT/US2012/024570), international filing date 9 Feb. 2012, or a VH or a VL with 90% identity to the disclosed VH or VL sequences. In one embodiment, the OX40 antigen binding protein is an isolated agonist antibody to OX40 comprising a light chain variable region having a sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10 as set forth in WO2013/028231 and a heavy chain variable region having a sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 as set forth in WO2013/028231.

In one embodiment, the OX40 antigen binding protein is an isolated antibody comprising a light chain variable comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10 as set forth in WO2013/028231 and a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 as set forth in WO2013/028231.

Immunostimulatory Agent

Additional examples of other therapeutic agents for use in combination or coadministered with a compound of Formula I, or a salt thereof are immunostimulatory agents. As used herein “immunostimulatory agent” refers to any agent that can stimulate the immune system. As used herein immunostimulatory agents include, but are not limited to, vaccine adjuvants, such as Toll-like receptor agonists, T-cell checkpoint blockers, such as mAbs to PD-1 and CTL4 and T-cell checkpoint agonist, such as agonist mAbs to OX-40 and ICOS. As used herein “immunostimulatory agent” refers to any agent that can stimulate the immune system. As used herein immunostimulatory agents include, but are not limited to, vaccine adjuvants.

The term “Toll-like receptor” (or “TLR”) as used herein refers to a member of the Toll-like receptor family of proteins or a fragment thereof that senses a microbial product and/or initiates an adaptive immune response. In one embodiment, a TLR activates a dendritic cell (DC). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors that were initially identified as sensors of the innate immune system that recognize microbial pathogens. TLRs recognize distinct structures in microbes, often referred to as “PAMPs” (pathogen associated molecular patterns). Ligand binding to TLRs invokes a cascade of intra-cellular signalling pathways that induce the production of factors involved in inflammation and immunity. In humans, ten TLRs have been identified. TLRs that are expressed on the surface of cells include TLR-1, -2, -4, -5, and -6, while TLR-3, -7/8, and -9 are expressed with the ER compartment. Human DC subsets can be identified on the basis of distinct TLR expression patterns. By way of example, the myeloid or “conventional” subset of DC (mDC) expresses TLRs 1-8 when stimulated, and a cascade of activation markers (e.g. CD80, CD86, MHC class I and II, CCR7), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines are produced. A result of this stimulation and resulting expression is antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell priming. These DCs acquire an enhanced capacity to take up antigens and present them in an appropriate form to T cells. In contrast, the plasmacytoid subset of DC (pDC) expresses only TLR7 and TLR9 upon activation, with a resulting activation of NK cells as well as T-cells. As dying tumor cells may adversely affect DC function, it has been suggested that activating DC with TLR agonists may be beneficial for priming anti-tumor immunity in an immunotherapy approach to the treatment of cancer. It has also been suggested that successful treatment of breast cancer using radiation and chemotherapy requires TLR4 activation.

TLR agonists known in the art and finding use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following: Pam3Cys, a TLRI/2 agonist; CFA, a TLR2 agonist; MALP2, a TLR2 agonist; Pam2Cys, a TLR2 agonist; FSL-I, a TLR-2 agonist; Hib-OMPC, a TLR-2 agonist; polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly 1:C), a TLR3 agonist; polyadenosine-polyuridylic acid (poly AU), a TLR3 agonist; Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic acid stabilized with poly-L-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose (Hiltonol), a TLR3 agonist; bacterial flagellin a TLR5 agonist; imiquimod, a TLR7 agonist; resiquimod, a TLR7/8 agonist; loxoribine, a TLR7/8 agonist; and unmethylated CpG dinucleotide (CpG-ODN), a TLR9 agonist.

Additional TLR agonists known in the art and finding use in the present invention further include, but are not limited to aminoalkyl glucosaminide phosphates (AGPs) which bind to the TLR4 receptor are known to be useful as vaccine adjuvants and immunostimulatory agents for stimulating cytokine production, activating macrophages, promoting innate immune response, and augmenting antibody production in immunized animals. An example of a naturally occurring TLR4 agonist is bacterial LPS. An example of a semisynthetic TLR4 agonist is monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). AGPs and their immunomodulating effects via TLR4 are disclosed in patent publications such as WO 2006/016997, WO 2001/090129, and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,918 and have been reported in the literature. Additional AGP derivatives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,129,219, 6,525,028 and 6,911,434. Certain AGPs act as agonists of TLR4, while others are recognized as TLR4 antagonist

In addition to the immunostimulatory agents described above, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise other therapeutic agents which, because of their adjuvant nature, can act to stimulate the immune system to respond to the cancer antigens present on the inactivated tumor cell(s). Such adjuvants include, but are not limited to, lipids, liposomes, inactivated bacteria which induce innate immunity (e.g., inactivated or attenuated Listeriamonocytogenes), compositions which mediate innate immune activation via, (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs), Retinoic acid inducible gene-based (RIG)-I-like receptors (RLRs), and/or C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). Examples of PAMPs include lipoproteins, lipopolypeptides, peptidoglycans, zymosan, lipopolysaccharide, neisserial porins, flagellin, profillin, galactoceramide, muramyl dipeptide. Peptidoglycans, lipoproteins, and lipoteichoic acids are cell wall components of Gram-positive bacteria. Lipopolysaccharides are expressed by most bacteria, with MPL being one example. Flagellin refers to the structural component of bacterial flagella that is secreted by pathogenic and commensal bacteria, rt-Galactosylceramide (rt.-GalCer) is an activator of natural killer T (NKT) cells. Muramyl dipeptide is a bioactive peptidoglycan motif common to all bacteria.

Because of their adjuvant qualities, TLR agonists are preferably used in combinations with other vaccines, adjuvants and/or immune modulators, and may be combined in various combinations. Thus, in certain embodiments, the herein described compounds of Formula I that bind to STING and induce STING-dependent TBKI activation and an inactivated tumor cell which expresses and secretes one or more cytokines which stimulate DC induction, recruitment and/or maturation, as described herein can be administered together with one or more TLR agonists for therapeutic purposes.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a key immunosuppressive enzyme that modulates the anti-tumor immune response by promoting regulatory T cell generation and blocking effector T cell activation, thereby facilitating tumor growth by allowing cancer cells to avoid immune surveillance (Lemos 2016; Munn 2016). Further active ingredients (antineoplastic agents) for use in combination or co-administered with the presently invented compounds of Formula I are IDO inhibitors. Epacadostat, ((Z)—N-(3-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-N′-hydroxy-4-[2-(sulfamoylamino)ethylamino]-1,2,5-oxadiazole-3-carboxamidine) is a highly potent and selective oral inhibitor of the IDO1 enzyme that reverses tumor-associated immune suppression and restores effective anti-tumor immune responses. Epacadostat is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,034,953.

Additional examples of other therapeutic agents (anti-neoplastic agent) for use in combination or co-administered with a compound of Formula I are CD73 inhibitors and A2a and A2b adenosine antagonists.

The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be used in combination with at least one other therapeutic agent useful in the prevention or treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Examples of such agents include, without limitation: polymerase inhibitors such as those disclosed in WO 2004/037818, as well as those disclosed in WO 2004/037818 and WO 2006/045613; JTK-003, JTK-019, NM-283, HCV-796, R-803, R1728, R1626, as well as those disclosed in WO 2006/018725, WO 2004/074270, WO 2003/095441, US2005/0176701, WO 2006/020082, WO 2005/080388, WO 2004/064925, WO 2004/065367, WO 2003/007945, WO 02/04425, WO 2005/014543, WO 2003/000254, EP 1065213, WO 01/47883, WO 2002/057287, WO 2002/057245 and similar agents; replication inhibitors such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, cidofovir, lamivudine and similar agents; protease inhibitors such as the HIV protease inhibitors saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, brecanavir, atazanavir, tipranavir, palinavir, lasinavir, and the HCV protease inhibitors BILN2061, VX-950, SCH503034; and similar agents; nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as zidovudine, didanosine, lamivudine, zalcitabine, abacavir, stavudine, adefovir, adefovir dipivoxil, fozivudine, todoxil, emtricitabine, alovudine, amdoxovir, elvucitabine, tenofovir disproxil fumarate, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate/hemifumarate, and similar agents; non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (including an agent having anti-oxidation activity such as immunocal, oltipraz etc.) such as nevirapine, delavirdine, efavirenz, loviride, immunocal, oltipraz, capravirine, TMC-278, TMC-125, etravirine, rilpivirine and similar agents; entry inhibitors such as enfuvirtide (T-20), T-1249, PRO-542, PRO-140, TNX-355, BMS-806, 5-Helix and similar agents; integrase inhibitors such as dolutegravir, elvitegravir, raltegravir L-870,180 and similar agents; budding inhibitors such as PA-344 and PA-457, and similar agents; chemokine receptor inhibitors such as vicriviroc (Sch-C), Sch-D, TAK779, maraviroc (UK-427,857), TAK449, as well as those disclosed in WO 02/74769, WO 2004/054974, WO 2004/055012, WO 2004/055010, WO 2004/055016, WO 2004/055011, and WO 2004/054581, and similar agents; pharmacokinetic enhancers such as cobicistat; neuraminidase inhibitors such as CS-8958, zanamivir, oseltamivir, peramivir and similar agents; ion channel blockers such as amantadine or rimantadine and similar agents; and interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides and such as ISIS-14803 and similar agents; antiviral agents of undetermined mechanism of action, for example those disclosed in WO 2005/105761, WO 2003/085375, WO 2006/122011, ribavirin, and similar agents.

The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may also be used in combination with other therapeutic agents which may be useful in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infections (KSHV and KSHV-related) include, without limitation chemotherapeutic agents such as bleomycin, vinblastine, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, prednisone, alitretinoin and liposomal anthracyclines such as doxorubicin, daunorubicin, immunotherapeutics such as Rituximab, Tocilizumab, Siltuximab and others such as Paclitaxel and Rapamycin.

In one embodiment of this invention, the at least one other therapeutic agent is an antimycobacterial agent or a bactericidal antibiotic. The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may also be used in combination with at least one other therapeutic agent which may be useful in the treatment of TB infection Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and Tularemia (Franciseiia tularensis) include without limitation to first line oral agents isoniazid, Rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, streptomycin, rifabutin; injectable agents including kanamycin, amikacin, capreomycin, streptomycin; fluoroquinolones including levofloxacin moxifloxacin ofloxacin; oral bacteriostatic agents para-aminosalicylic acid cycloserine terizidone thionamide protionamide; SQ-109 PNU-100480, Rifapentine Linezolid, PA-824 AZD5847, Gatifloxacin Moxifloxacin, Sirturo (bedaquiline) Delamanid (OPC-67683) and agents with undetermined mechanism of action in the treatment of drug-resistant TB, including clofazimine, linezolid, amoxicillin/clavulanate thioacetazone imipenem/cilastatin high dose isoniazid clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin. The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may also be used in combination with an antimycobacterial agent (such as isoniazid (INH), ehambutol (Myambutol®), rifampin (Rifadin®), and pyrazinamide (PZA)) a bactericidal antibiotic (such as rifabutin (Mycobutin®) or rifapentine (Priftin®)), an aminoglycoside (Capreomycin®), a fluorquinolone (levofloxacin, moxifloxicin, ofloxacin), thioamide (ehionamide), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), para-aminosalicyclic acid (Paser®), cycloserine (Seromycin®), kanamycin (Kantrex®), streptomycin, viomycin, capreomycin (Capastat®)), bedaquiline fumarate (Sirturo®), oxazolidinone (Sutezolid®), PNU-100480, or delamanid (OPC-67683).

The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may also be used in combination with at least one other therapeutic agent which may be useful in the treatment of Chlamydia include, without limitations Azithromycin, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin.

The compounds of this invention may also be used in combination with at least one other therapeutic agent which may be useful in the treatment of Plasmodium infection include, without limitations to chloroquine, atovaquone-proguanil, artemether-lumefantrine, mefloquine, quinine, quinidine, doxocycline, cindamycin, artesunate, primaquine.

In the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be used in combination with a glutamate blocker (Riluzole (Rilutek®)), quinidine (Nuedexta®), anticholinergics (Amitriptyline®, Artane®, scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop®)), sympathomimetics (pseudoephedrine), mucolytics (guaifenesin), or analgesics (tramadol (Ultram®); ketorolac (Toradol®); morphine; fentanyl patch (Duragesic®)).

In the treatment of multiple scelrosis, a compound of Formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be used in combination with corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone), Interferon Beta 1-A (Avonex®, Extavia®, Rebif®, Betaseron®), peginterferon beta-IA (Plegridy®), Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®); glatiramer acetate (Glatopa®-generic equivalent of Copaxone); Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera®); Fingolimod (Gilenya®)); teriflunomide (Aubagio®); dalfampridine (Ampyra®): daclizumab (Zinbryta); alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®); natalizumab (Tysabri®); or mitoxantrone hydrochloride (Novantrone®).

The compounds of this invention may also be used as adjuvants to improve the immune response raised to any given antigen and/or reduce reactogenicity/toxicity in a patient, particularly a human, in need thereof. As such, a compound of this invention may be used in combination with vaccine compositions to modify, especially to enhance, the immune response for example by increasing the level or duration of protection and/or allowing a reduction in the antigenic dose.

The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be used in combination with one or more vaccines or immugenic antigens useful in the prevention or treatment of viral infections. Such vaccines or immugenic antigens include, without limitation to pathogen derived proteins or particles such as attenuated viruses, virus particles, and viral proteins typically used as immugenic substances. Examples of viruses and viral antigens include, without limitations to Polioviruses, Coronaviridae and Coronaviruses, Rhinovirus (all subtypes), Adenoviruses (all subtypes), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, Human papillomavirus (including all subtypes), Rabies viruses, Human T-cell lympotropic virus (all subtypes), Rubella virus, Mumps virus, Coxsackie virus A (all subtypes), Cosackie virus B (all subtypes), human enteroviruses, herpesviruses including cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human herepesvi ruses (all subtypes), herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (all subtypes), Epstein-Barr virus, Reoviruses (all subtypes), Filoviruses including Marburg virus and Ebola virus (all stains), Arenaviruses including Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, Lassa virus, Junin virus, and Machupo virus, Arboviruses including West Nile virus, Dengue viruses (all serotypes), Zika virus, Colorado tick fever virus, Sindbis virus, Togaviraidae, Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae, Reoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Poxviruses including orthopoxvirus (variola virus, monkypox virus, vaccinia virus, cowpox virus), yatapoxviruses (tanapox virus, Yaba monkey tumor virus), parapoxvirus, molluscipoxvirus, Yellow fever, Hantaviruses including Hantaan, Seoul, Dobrava, Sin Nombre, Puumala, and Dobrava-like Saaremaa, human para influenza viruses and influenza viruses (all types), HINI influenza and swine influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (all subgroups), rotaviruses including human rotaviruses A-E, bovine rotavirus, rhesus monkey rotavirus, Polyomaviruses including simian virus 40, JC virus, BK virus, Coltiviruses, eyach virus, calciviruses, and Parvoviridae including dependovirus, parvovirus and erythrovirus.

Accordingly, this invention provides an immugenic composition comprising an antigen or antigenic composition and a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There is further provided a vaccine composition comprising an antigen or antigenic composition and a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may also be used in combination with at least one other therapeutic agent which may be useful in the prevention or treatment of viral infections for example immune therapies (e.g. interferon or other cytokines/chemokines, cytokine/chemokine receptor modulators, cytokine agonists or antagonists and similar agents); and therapeutic vaccines, anti-fibrotic agents, antiinflammatory agents such as corticosteroids or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) and similar agents.

A compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with other antiinflammatory agents, including oral or topical corticosteroids, anti-TNF agents, 5-aminosalicyclic acid and mesalamine preparations, hydroxycloroquine, thiopurines, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolic acid, mTOR inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, Syk inhibitors, anti-inflammatory biologic agents, including anti-IL6 biologies, anti-ILI agents, anti-IL17 biologies, anti-CD22, anti-integrin agents, anti-IFNα, anti-CD20 or CD4 biologies and other cytokine inhibitors or biologies to T-cell or B-cell receptors or interleukins.

For example, in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and related lupus disorders, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with at least one other therapeutic agent, including, a corticosteroid (such as prednisolone (Delatsone®, Orapred, Millipred, Omnipred, Econopred, Flo-Pred), an immunosuppressive agent (such as methotrexate (Rhuematrex®, Trexall®), dexamethasone (Decadron®, Solurex®), Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept®), Tacrolimus®, Sirolimus®), B-cell therapy (belimumab (Benlysta®), B-cell inhibitor (Atacicept®, Apratuzumab® (anti-CD22), SBI-087 (anti-CD20), an anti-BAFF antibody (LY2127399, A623), Velcade®), azathioprine (Azasan®, Imuran®), triamcinolone (Clinacort®, Kenalog-10@), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®), thalidomide (Immunoprin®, Contergan®), immunoglobulin therapy (HyQiva®, Flebogamma®, Gamunex®, Privigen®, Gammagard®), anti-interferon-alpha therapy (Rontalizumab®, Sifalimumab®, AGS-009@, IFN Kinoid), TLR7 and TLR9 blockers (IMO-3100), anti-cytokine therapies (anti-IL6 (CNTO-136), anti-interferon-gamma (AMG811), immunomodulatory therapy (Lupuzor™, Abatacept, Orencia®, AMG557, Laquinimod, Paquinimod, Leflunomide, anti-ICOS (Medi-570), anti-CD40 ligand antibody (CDP7657)), and/or a platelet aggregation inhibitor (aspirin).

In treatment of vasculitis and disease with inflammation of small or medium size blood vessels, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan®), anti-rheumatic anti-CD20 antibody (Rituxan®, Rituximab®), and anti-TNF inhibitors (Etanrcept®).

In the treatment of psoriasis, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with ixekizumab, tildrakizumab (MK-3222), or secukinumab (AIN457).

In one embodiment of this invention, the at least one other therapeutic agent is selected from an inhaled corticosteroid, a long acting beta agonist, a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a long acting beta agonist, a short acting beta agonist, a leukotriene modifier, an anti-IgE, a methylxanthine bronchodilator, a mast cell inhibitor, and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist. For example, in the treatment of asthma, a compound that inhibits STING, particularly a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid ((ICS) such as fluticasone proprionate (Flovent®), beclomethasone dipropionate (QVAR®), budesonide (Pulmicort), trimcinolone acetonide (Azmacort®), flunisolide (Aerobid®), mometasone fuorate (Asmanex® Twisthaler®), or Ciclesonide (Alvesco®)), a long acting beta agonist ((LABA) such as formoterol fumarate (Foradil®), salmeterol xinafoate (Serevent®)), a combination of an ICS and LABA (such as fluticasone furoate and vilanterol (Breo Ellipta®), formoterol/budesonide inhalation (Symbicort®), beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol (Inuvair®), and fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (Advair®), a short acting beta agonist ((SABA) such as albuterol sulfate (ProAir®, Proventil HFA®, Ventolin HFA®, AccuNeb® Inhalation Solution), levalbuterol tartrate (Xopenex® HFA), ipratropium bromide/albuterol (Combivent® Respimat®), ipratropium bromide (Atrovent® HFA), a leukotriene modifier (such as montelukast sodium (Singulair®), zafirlukast (Accolate®), or zileuton (Zyflo®), and anti-IgE (such as omalizumab (Xolair®)), a methylxanthine bronchodilator (such as theophylline (Accurbron®, Aerolate®, Aquaphyllin®, Asbron®, Bronkodyl®, Duraphyl®, Elixicon®, Elixomin®, Elixophyllin®, Labid®, Lanophyllin®, Quibron-T®, Slo-Bid®, Slo-Phyllin®, Somophyllin®, Sustaire®, Synophylate®, T-Phyll®, Theo-24®, Theo-Dur®, Theobid®, Theochron®, Theoclear®, Theolair®, Theolixir®, Theophyl®, Theovent®, Uni-Dur®, Uniphyl®), a mast cell inhibitor (such as cromulyn sodium (Nasalcrom®) and nedocromil sodium (Tilade®)), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist ((LAMA) such as mometasone furoate/formoterol fumarate dihydrate (Dulera®)).

Other agents that may be suitable for use in combination therapy in the treatment of asthma include a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor (masitinib), CRTH2/D-prostanoid receptor antangonist (AMG 853), indacaterol (Arcapta®Neohaler®), an epinephrine inhalation aerosol (E004), fluticasone furoate/fluticasone proprionate, vinanterol inhalation/fluticasone furoate powder (Relovair™), fluticasone propionate/eformoterol fumarate dehydrate (Flutiform®), reslizumab, salbutamol dry-powder inhalation, tiotropium bromide (Spiriva®HandiHaler®), formoterol/budesonide (Symbicort®SMART®), fluticasone furoate (Veramyst®), Vectura's VR506, lebrikizumab (RG3637), a combination phosphodiesterase (PDE)-3 and (PDE)-4 inhibitor (RPL554).

In one embodiment of this invention, the at least one other therapeutic agent is selected from a long acting beta agonist, a long-acting inhaled anticholinergic or muscarinic antagonist, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid long acting beta agonist, a short acting beta agonist, and an inhaled corticosteroid. For example, in the treatment of COPD, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with a LABA (such as salmeterol xinafoate (Serevent), umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta®), umeclidinium (Incruse Ellipta®), aformoterol tartrate (Brovana®), formoterol fumarate inhalation powder (Foradil®), indacterol maleate (Arcapta® Neohaler®), or fluticasone propionate/eformoterol fumarate dehydrate (Flutiform®)), a long-acting inhaled anticholinergic (or muscarinic antagonist, such as tiotropium bromide (Spiriva®), and aclidinium bromide (Tudorza® Pressair®), a phosphodiesterase (PDE-r) inhibitor (such as roflumilast, Daliresp®), a combination ICS/LABA (such as fluticasone furoate and vilanterol (Breo Ellipta®), fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (Advair®), budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort®), mometasone/formoterol (Dulera®), ipratropium bromide/albuterol sulfate (Duoneb®, Atrovent®), albuterol/ipratropium (Combivent Respimat®)), a SABA (such as ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®), and albuterol sulfate (ProAir®, Proventil®)), and an ICS (such as budesonide (Pulmicort®) and fluticasone propionate (Flovent®), beclometasone dipropionate (QVAR®).

Other agents that may be suitable for use in combination therapy in the treatment of COPD include SCH527123 (a CXCR2 antagonist), glycoprronium bromide ((NVA237) Seebri® Breezhaler®), glycopyrronium bromide and indacaterol maleate ((QVA149) Ultibro® Breezhaler®), glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate (PT003), indacaterol maleate (QVA149), olodaterol (Striverdi® Respimat®), tiotropium (Spiriva®)/olodaterol (Striverdi®Respimat®), and aclidinium/formoterol inhalation.

In one embodiment of this invention, the at least one other therapeutic agent is selected from an oral corticosteroid, anti-thymocyte globulin, thalidomide, chlorambucil, a calcium channel blocker, a topical emollient, an ACE inhibitor, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, an endothelin-1 receptor inhibitor, an anti-fibrotic agent, a proton-pump inhibitor or imatinib, ARG201, and tocilizumab. For example, in the treatment of systemic scleroderma, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with an oral corticosteroid (such as prednisolone (Delatsone®, Orapred, Millipred, Omnipred, Econopred, Flo-Pred), an immunosuppressive agent (such as methotrexate (Rhuematrex®, Trexall®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), anti-thymocyte globulin (Atgam®), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®), FK506 (tacrolimus), thalidomide (Thalomid®), chlorambucil (Leukeran®), azathioprine (Imuran®, Azasan®)), a calcium channel blocker (such as nifedipine (Procardia®, Adalat®) or nicardipine (Cardene®), a topical emollient (nitroglycerin ointment), an ACE inhibitor (such as lisinopril (Zestril®, Prinivil®), diltaizem (Cardizem®, Cardizem SR®, Cardizem CD®, Cardia®, Dilacor®, Tiazac®)), a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (such as fluoxetine (Prozac®)), an endothelin-1 receptor inhibitor (such as bosentan (Tracleer®) or epoprostenol (Flolan®, Veletri®, Prostacyclin®)) an anti-fibrotic agent (such as colchicines (Colcrys®), para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and D-penicillamine (Cuprimine®, Depen®), interferon alpha and interferon gamma (INF-g)), a proton-pump Inhibitor (such as omeprazole (Prilosec®), metoclopramide (Reglan®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), esomeprazole (Nexium®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), rabeprazole (Aciphex®)) or imatinib (Gleevec®) ARG201 (arGentis Pharmaceutical), belimumab (Benlysta®), tocilizumab (Actema®).

In the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with anti-rheumatic agents (hydroxychloroquine and Plaquenil®, Ridaura®, Kineret®), cholinergic agonists (Salagen®, Evoxac®), a JAK inhibitor (Xelijanz®, and anti-TNF treatments (Remicade®, Humira®, Enbrel®, Cimzia®, Simponi®).

In one embodiment of this invention, the at least one other therapeutic agent is a ciliary neurotrophic growth factor or a gene transfer agent. For example, in the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with a ciliary neurotrophic growth factor (NT-501-CNTF) or gene transfer agent, UshStat®.

In one embodiment of this invention, the at least one other therapeutic agent is selected from a trivalent (IIV3) inactivated influenza vaccine, a quadrivalent (IIV4) inactivated influenza vaccine, a trivalent recombinant influenza vaccine, a quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine, an antiviral agent, or inactivated influenza vaccine. For example, in the treatment of influenza, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with a trivalent (IIV3) inactivated influenza vaccine (such as Afluria®, Fluarix®, Flucelvax®, FluLaval®, Fluvirin®, Fluzone®), a quadrivalent (IIV4) inactivated influenza vaccine (such as Fluarix® Quadrivalent, Flulaval® Quadrivalent, Fluzone® Quadrivalent), a trivalent recombinant influenza vaccine (such as FluBlok®), a quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (such as FluMist® Quadrivalent), an antiviral agent (such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), rimantadine (Flumadine®), or amantadine (Symmetrel®)), or Fluad®, Fludase, FluNhance®, Preflucel, or VaxiGrip®.

In the treatment of a staphylococcus infection, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with an antibiotic (such as a p-Lactam cephalosporin (Duricef®, Kefzol®, Ancef®, Biocef®, etc), nafcillin (Unipen®), a sulfonamide (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bacrim®, Septra®) sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), acetyl sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin®), etc), or vancomycin (Vancocin®)).

In one embodiment of this invention, the at least one other therapeutic agent is selected from a topical immunomodulator or calcineurin inhibitor, a topical corticosteroid, an oral corticosteroid, an interferon gamma, an antihistamine, or an antibiotic. For example, in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, a compound that modulates STING, particularly a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be administered in combination with a topical immunomodulator or calcineurin inhibitor (such as pimecrolimus (Elidel®) or tacrolimus ointment (Protopic®)), a topical corticosteroid (such as hydrocortizone (Synacort®, Westcort®), betamethasone (Diprolene®), flurandrenolide (Cordan®), fluticasone (Cutivate®), triamcinolone (Kenalog®), fluocinonide (Lidex®), and clobetasol (Temovate®)), an oral corticosteroid (such as hydrocortisone (Cortef®), methyl prednisolone (Medrol®), or prednisolone (Pediapred®, Prelone®), an immunosuppressant (such as cyclosporine (Neoral®) or interferon gamma (Alferon N®, Infergen®, Intron A, Roferon-A®)), an antihistamine (for itching such as Atarax®, Vistaril®, Benadryl®), an antibiotic (such as penicillin derivatives flucloxacillin (Floxapen®) or dicloxacillin (Dynapen®), erythromycin (Eryc®, T-Stat®, Erythra-Derm®, etc.)), a non-steroidal immunosuppressive agent (such as azathioprine (Imuran®, Azasan®), methotrexate (Rhuematrex®, Trexall®), cyclosporin (Sandimmune®), or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®)).

The compounds of the invention may also be formulated with vaccines as adjuvants to modulate their activity. Such compositions may contain antibody(ies) or antibody fragment(s) or an antigenic component including but not limited to protein, DNA, live or dead bacteria and/or viruses or virus-like particles, together with one or more components with adjuvant activity including but not limited to aluminum salts, oil and water emulsions, heat shock proteins, lipid A preparations and derivatives, glycolipids, other TLR agonists such as CpG DNA or similar agents, cytokines such as GM-CSF or IL-12 or similar agents.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vaccine adjuvant comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There is further provided a vaccine composition comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an antigen or antigen composition.

Methods of Treatment

The compounds of the present invention may be used in a method of therapy. Also provided is a method of treatment, comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of the invention. The term “therapeutically effective amount” is an amount sufficient to show benefit to a patient. Such benefit may be at least amelioration of at least one symptom. The actual amount administered, and rate and time-course of administration, will depend on the nature and severity of what is being treated. Prescription of treatment, e.g. decisions on dosage, is within the responsibility of general practitioners and other medical doctors.

Administration

The active compound or pharmaceutical composition comprising the active compound may be administered to a subject by any convenient route of administration, whether systemically/peripherally or at the site of desired action, including but not limited to, oral (e.g. by ingestion); topical (including e.g. transdermal, intranasal, ocular, buccal, and sublingual); pulmonary (e.g. by inhalation or insufflation therapy using, e.g. an aerosol, e.g. through mouth or nose); rectal; vaginal; parenteral, for example, by injection, including subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intracardiac, intrathecal, intraspinal, intracapsular, subcapsular, intraorbital, intraperitoneal, intratracheal, subcuticular, intraarticular, subarachnoid, intravitreal and intrasternal; by implant of a depot, for example, subcutaneously, intravitreal or intramuscularly. The subject may be a eukaryote, an animal, a vertebrate animal, a mammal, a rodent (e.g. a guinea pig, a hamster, a rat, a mouse), murine (e.g. a mouse), canine (e.g. a dog), feline (e.g. a cat), equine (e.g. a horse), a primate, simian (e.g. a monkey or ape), a monkey (e.g. marmoset, baboon), an ape (e.g. gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, gibbon), or a human.

In one embodiment where treating tumours, intratumoural injection may used.

Formulations

While it is possible for the active compound to be administered alone, it is preferable to present it as a pharmaceutical composition (e.g. formulation) comprising at least one active compound, as defined above, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants, excipients, diluents, fillers, buffers, stabilisers, preservatives, lubricants, or other materials well known to those skilled in the art and optionally other therapeutic or prophylactic agents.

Thus, the present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions, as defined above, and methods of making a pharmaceutical composition comprising admixing at least one active compound, as defined above, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, buffers, adjuvants, stabilisers, or other materials, as described herein.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” as used herein pertains to compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgement, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of a subject (e.g. human) without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Each carrier, excipient, etc. must also be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation.

Suitable carriers, excipients, etc. can be found in standard pharmaceutical texts, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1990.

The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any methods well known in the art of pharmacy. Such methods include the step of bringing into association the active compound with the carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active compound with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then if necessary shaping the product.

Formulations may be in the form of liquids, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, elixirs, syrups, tablets, losenges, granules, powders, capsules, cachets, pills, ampoules, suppositories, pessaries, ointments, gels, pastes, creams, sprays, mists, foams, lotions, oils, boluses, electuaries, or aerosols.

Formulations suitable for oral administration (e.g. by ingestion) may be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active compound; as a powder or granules; as a solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion; as a bolus; as an electuary; or as a paste.

A tablet may be made by conventional means, e.g., compression or moulding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine the active compound in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with one or more binders (e.g. povidone, gelatin, acacia, sorbitol, tragacanth, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose); fillers or diluents (e.g. lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate); lubricants (e.g. magnesium stearate, talc, silica); disintegrants (e.g. sodium starch glycolate, cross-linked povidone, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose); surface-active or dispersing or wetting agents (e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate); and preservatives (e.g. methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sorbic acid). Moulded tablets may be made by moulding in a suitable machine a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tablets may optionally be coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of the active compound therein using, for example, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose in varying proportions to provide the desired release profile. Tablets may optionally be provided with an enteric coating, to provide release in parts of the gut other than the stomach.

Formulations suitable for topical administration (e.g. transdermal, intranasal, ocular, buccal, and sublingual) may be formulated as an ointment, cream, suspension, lotion, powder, solution, past, gel, spray, aerosol, or oil. Alternatively, a formulation may comprise a patch or a dressing such as a bandage or adhesive plaster impregnated with active compounds and optionally one or more excipients or diluents.

Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth include losenges comprising the active compound in a flavoured basis, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active compound in an inert basis such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the active compound in a suitable liquid carrier.

Formulations suitable for topical administration to the eye also include eye drops wherein the active compound is dissolved or suspended in a suitable carrier, especially an aqueous solvent for the active compound.

Formulations suitable for nasal administration, wherein the carrier is a solid, include a coarse powder having a particle size, for example, in the range of about 20 to about 500 microns which is administered in the manner in which snuff is taken, i.e. by rapid inhalation through the nasal passage from a container of the powder held close up to the nose. Suitable formulations wherein the carrier is a liquid for administration as, for example, nasal spray, nasal drops, or by aerosol administration by nebuliser, include aqueous or oily solutions of the active compound.

Formulations suitable for administration by inhalation include those presented as an aerosol spray from a pressurised pack, with the use of a suitable propellant, such as dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichoro-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide, or other suitable gases.

Formulations suitable for topical administration via the skin include ointments, creams, and emulsions. When formulated in an ointment, the active compound may optionally be employed with either a paraffinic or a water-miscible ointment base. Alternatively, the active compounds may be formulated in a cream with an oil-in-water cream base. If desired, the aqueous phase of the cream base may include, for example, at least about 30% w/w of a polyhydric alcohol, i.e., an alcohol having two or more hydroxyl groups such as propylene glycol, butane-1,3-diol, mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol and polyethylene glycol and mixtures thereof. The topical formulations may desirably include a compound which enhances absorption or penetration of the active compound through the skin or other affected areas. Examples of such dermal penetration enhancers include dimethylsulfoxide and related analogues.

When formulated as a topical emulsion, the oily phase may optionally comprise merely an emulsifier (otherwise known as an emulgent), or it may comprises a mixture of at least one emulsifier with a fat or an oil or with both a fat and an oil. Preferably, a hydrophilic emulsifier is included together with a lipophilic emulsifier which acts as a stabiliser. It is also preferred to include both an oil and a fat. Together, the emulsifier(s) with or without stabiliser(s) make up the so-called emulsifying wax, and the wax together with the oil and/or fat make up the so-called emulsifying ointment base which forms the oily dispersed phase of the cream formulations.

Suitable emulgents and emulsion stabilisers include Tween 60, Span 80, cetostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate and sodium lauryl sulphate. The choice of suitable oils or fats for the formulation is based on achieving the desired cosmetic properties, since the solubility of the active compound in most oils likely to be used in pharmaceutical emulsion formulations may be very low. Thus the cream should preferably be a non-greasy, non-staining and washable product with suitable consistency to avoid leakage from tubes or other containers. Straight or branched chain, mono- or dibasic alkyl esters such as di-isoadipate, isocetyl stearate, propylene glycol diester of coconut fatty acids, isopropyl myristate, decyl oleate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate or a blend of branched chain esters known as Crodamol CAP may be used, the last three being preferred esters. These may be used alone or in combination depending on the properties required.

Alternatively, high melting point lipids such as white soft paraffin and/or liquid paraffin or other mineral oils can be used.

Formulations suitable for rectal administration may be presented as a suppository with a suitable base comprising, for example, cocoa butter or a salicylate.

Formulations suitable for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulations containing in addition to the active compound, such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration (e.g. by injection, including cutaneous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous and intradermal), include aqueous and non-aqueous isotonic, pyrogen-free, sterile injection solutions which may contain anti-oxidants, buffers, preservatives, stabilisers, bacteriostats, and solutes which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which may include suspending agents and thickening agents, and liposomes or exosomes or other microparticulate systems which are designed to target the compound to blood components or one or more organs. Examples of suitable isotonic vehicles for use in such formulations include Sodium Chloride Injection, Ringer's Solution, or Lactated Ringer's Injection. Typically, the concentration of the active compound in the solution is from about 1 ng/mL to about 10 μg/mL, for example from about 10 ng/ml to about 1 μg/mL. The formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose sealed containers, for example, ampoules and vials, and may be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilised) condition requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid carrier, for example water for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules, and tablets. Formulations may be in the form of liposomes or exosomes or other microparticulate systems which are designed to target the active compound to blood components or one or more organs.

Dosage

It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that appropriate dosages of the compound, and compositions comprising the compound, can vary from patient to patient. Determining the optimal dosage will generally involve the balancing of the level of therapeutic benefit against any risk or deleterious side effects. The selected dosage level will depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the activity of the particular compound, the route of administration, the time of administration, the rate of excretion of the compound, the duration of the treatment, other drugs, compounds, and/or materials used in combination, the severity of the condition, and the species, sex, age, weight, condition, general health, and prior medical history of the patient. The amount of compound and route of administration will ultimately be at the discretion of the physician, veterinarian, or clinician, although generally the dosage will be selected to achieve local concentrations at the site of action which achieve the desired effect without causing substantial harmful or deleterious side-effects.

Administration can be effected in one dose, continuously or intermittently (e.g., in divided doses at appropriate intervals) throughout the course of treatment. Methods of determining the most effective means and dosage of administration are well known to those of skill in the art and will vary with the formulation used for therapy, the purpose of the therapy, the target cell(s) being treated, and the subject being treated. Single or multiple administrations can be carried out with the dose level and pattern being selected by the treating physician, veterinarian, or clinician.

In general, a suitable dose of the active compound is in the range of about 100 ng to about 25 mg (more typically about 1 μg to about 10 mg) per kilogram body weight of the subject per day. Where the active compound is a salt, an ester, an amide, a prodrug, or the like, the amount administered is calculated on the basis of the parent compound and so the actual weight to be used is increased proportionately.

In one embodiment, the active compound is administered to a human patient according to the following dosage regime: about 100 mg, 3 times daily.

In one embodiment, the active compound is administered to a human patient according to the following dosage regime: about 150 mg, 2 times daily.

In one embodiment, the active compound is administered to a human patient according to the following dosage regime: about 200 mg, 2 times daily.

However in one embodiment, the active compound is administered to a human patient according to the following dosage regime: about 50 or about 75 mg, 3 or 4 times daily.

In one embodiment, the active compound is administered to a human patient according to the following dosage regime: about 100 or about 125 mg, 2 times daily.

Treatment

The term “treatment,” as used herein in the context of treating a condition, pertains generally to treatment and therapy, whether of a human or an animal (e.g., in veterinary applications), in which some desired therapeutic effect is achieved, for example, the inhibition of the progress of the condition, and includes a reduction in the rate of progress, a halt in the rate of progress, regression of the condition, amelioration of the condition, and cure of the condition. Treatment as a prophylactic measure (i.e., prophylaxis, prevention) is also included.

The term “therapeutically-effective amount,” as used herein, pertains to that amount of an active compound, or a material, composition or dosage from comprising an active compound, which is effective for producing some desired therapeutic effect, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio, when administered in accordance with a desired treatment regimen.

Similarly, the term “prophylactically-effective amount,” as used herein, pertains to that amount of an active compound, or a material, composition or dosage from comprising an active compound, which is effective for producing some desired prophylactic effect, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio, when administered in accordance with a desired treatment regimen.

The Subject/Patient

The subject/patient may be an animal, mammal, a placental mammal, a marsupial (e.g., kangaroo, wombat), a monotreme (e.g., duckbilled platypus), a rodent (e.g., a guinea pig, a hamster, a rat, a mouse), murine (e.g., a mouse), a lagomorph (e.g., a rabbit), avian (e.g., a bird), canine (e.g., a dog), feline (e.g., a cat), equine (e.g., a horse), porcine (e.g., a pig), ovine (e.g., a sheep), bovine (e.g., a cow), a primate, simian (e.g., a monkey or ape), a monkey (e.g., marmoset, baboon), an ape (e.g., gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutang, gibbon), or a human.

Furthermore, the subject/patient may be any of its forms of development, for example, a foetus. In one preferred embodiment, the subject/patient is a human.

General Synthesis Methods

The compounds of the invention can be prepared employing the following general methods and using procedures described in detail in the examples. The reaction conditions referred to are illustrative and non-limiting, for example one skilled in the art may use a diverse range of synthetic methods to synthesise the desired compounds such as but not limited to methods described in literature (for example but not limited to March's Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure, 7th Edition or Larock's Comprehensive Organic Transformations: Comprehensive Organic Transformations: A Guide to Functional Group Preparations).

Compounds of formula I as described above, can be prepared by synthetic strategies outlined below, wherein the definitions above apply.

General Synthesis 1

Scheme 1 illustrates the synthesis of compounds with the structure G7. The first step involves reaction of a suitably substituted ketone G1 with ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate G2 in the presence of a suitable base such as, but not limited to, K₂CO₃. Bromination of product G3 to form alkyl bromide G4 may be performed using a suitable bromine source such as, but not limited to, N-bromosuccinimide, in the presence of an initiator such as, but not limited to, benzoyl peroxide. A substitution reaction of G4 with a suitable nucleophile G5 may be carried out in the presence of a suitable base such as, but not limited to, cesium carbonate to give compounds of the type G6. Carboxylic acid G7 can be formed by hydrolysis of ester G6 with a base such as an alkali metal hydroxide or an acid such as aqueous hydrochloric acid.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that substituents R^(A) (when A¹=CR^(A)), R^(B) (when A²=CR^(B)), R^(C) (when A³=CR^(C)), and R^(D) (when A⁴=CR^(D)) on compound G3, and R^(Z1) (when Z¹=CR^(Z1)), R^(Z2) (when Z²=CR^(Z2)), R^(Z4) (when Z⁴=CR^(Z4)) and R^(Z5) (when Z⁵=CR^(Z5)) on compound G5, and R^(A) (when A¹=CR^(A)), R^(B) (when A²=CR^(B)), R^(C) (when A³=CR^(C)), and R^(D) (when A⁴=CR^(D)) on compound G6 and G7, and R^(Z1) (when Z¹=CR^(Z1)), R^(Z2) (when Z²=CR^(Z2)), R^(Z4) (when Z⁴=CR^(Z4)) and R^(Z5) (when Z⁵=CR^(Z5)) on compounds G6 and G7 may be a halogen atom to allow for transition-metal catalysed transformations such as Ulmann, Negishi, Stille, Suzuki-Miyaura, Sonogashira and Buchwald-Hartwig couplings, or for SnAr displacements to produce further examples of the type of compound I.

General Synthesis 2

Compounds of the structure G1 can be obtained by reaction of a suitably substituted aldehyde G8 with a Grignard reagent such as methyl magnesium bromide to give alcohol G9. Methods for oxidation of alcohol G9 to give ketone G1 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but include for example the use of reagents such as chromium trioxide and sulphuric acid.

General Synthesis 3

Compounds of the structure G8 can be made by treatment of a suitably substituted arene or heteroarene GX with either an alkyl lithium such as, but not limited to, n-butyllithium, or a lithium amide base such as, but not limited, to lithium diisopropylamide, and subsequent quenching of the resultant lithiated species with N,N-dimethylformamide. Alternatively, the lithiated species formed from treatment of GX with alkyl lithium or lithium amide may be quenched with acetaldehyde to give compound G9 directly.

General Synthesis 4

Scheme 4a illustrates an alternative method to access compound G6. A substitution reaction of G4 with a suitable nucleophile G10 may be carried out in the presence of a suitable base such as, but not limited to, cesium carbonate to give compounds of the type G11. Methods for selective hydrolysis of nitrile G11 to give compound G6 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but include for example the use of H₂O₂ and K₂CO₃ in DMSO or aqueous sodium hydroxide solution or sulphuric acid.

Alternatively, compound G6 can be accessed by reversing the order of nucleophilic substitution and hydrolysis as shown in Scheme 4b. Methods for hydrolysis of nitrile G10 to primary amide G5 will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include for example the use of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution or sulphuric acid. Compound G5 can be employed to access compound G6 and G7 as described in Scheme 1.

General Synthesis 5

Conditions for conversion of acid G7 to ester or amide G13 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but include an excess of a suitable nucleophile G12 and a catalyst such as concentrated sulphuric acid (for formation of an ester). Alternatively G7 may be first activated by a coupling agent such as, but not limited to, 1-[bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b]pyridinium 3-oxide hexafluorophosphate, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide or N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide before reaction with nucleophile G12 in the presence of a catalyst such as, but not limited to, 4-dimethylaminopyridine (for formation of an ester or amide) or in the presence of a base such as, but not limited to, N,N-diisopropylethylamine (for formation of an amide).

Ester G15 can be accessed by reaction of acid G7 with a suitable alkyl halide G14 in the presence of a suitable base such as, but not limited to, cesium carbonate as shown in Scheme 5b.

General Synthesis 6

Synthesis of compound G18 can be carried out as illustrated in Scheme 6. Alkyl bromide G4 can be converted to an ylide with triphenylphosphine and a suitable base such as potassium t-butoxide, which may then react with a suitable aldehyde G16 in a Wittig transformation to give G17. Conditions for reduction of alkene G17 to give G18 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but include stirring under a hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of a suitable catalyst such as, but no limited to, palladium.

FURTHER EMBODIMENTS R¹

In some embodiments, W is O and R¹ is H. In these embodiments, the compounds are of formula Ia:

where A¹-A⁴, Y, and R^(Y) are as defined above.

In other embodiments, W is NH and R¹ is H. In these embodiments, the compounds are of formula Ic:

where A¹-A⁴, Y, and R^(Y) are as defined above.

In other embodiments, W is O or NH and R¹ is R^(1B). R^(1B) is selected from C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₇heterocyclyl and optionally substituted linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl. In these embodiments, the compounds are of formula Ib:

where A¹-A⁴, Y, and R^(Y) are as defined above and R^(1B) is selected from C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₇heterocyclyl and optionally substituted linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl.

In some embodiments R¹/R^(1B) is optionally substituted linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl. In some embodiments R¹/R^(1B) is unsubstituted C₁alkyl. In some embodiments R¹/R^(1B) is substituted C₁₋₄alkyl.

When R¹/R^(1B) is C₁₋₄ alkyl, in some of these embodiments R¹/R^(1B) is methyl. In other of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is ethyl. In other of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is propyl (e.g. iso-propyl, n-propyl). In other of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is butyl (e.g. iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl).

In some embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is C₃₋₆cycloalkyl. In some of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is cyclopropyl. In other of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is cyclobutyl. In other of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is cyclopentyl. In other of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is cyclohexyl.

In some embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is C₃₋₇heterocyclyl. In some of these embodiments, the C₃₋₇heterocyclyl has a single nitrogen ring atom. In some of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl or piperidinyl. In some of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is azetidinyl. In some of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) is piperidinyl.

Substituents on R¹

In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is C₃₋₇heterocyclyl, it is substituted with a group selected from methyl and ester. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is C₃₋₇heterocyclyl, it is substituted with methyl. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is C₃₋₇heterocyclyl, it is substituted with ester.

In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with a group selected from alkoxy, amino, amido, acylamido, acyloxy, alkyl carboxyl ester, alkyl carbamoyl, alkyl carbamoyl ester, phenyl, phosphonate ester C₃₋₇heterocyclyl optionally substituted with group selected from methyl and oxo, and a naturally occurring amino acid, optionally N-substituted with a group selected from methyl, acetyl and boc.

In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with a group selected from acyloxy and phenyl. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with acyloxy, it is pivaloyloxymethyl; a group of formula:

In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with acyloxy, it is propanoyloxyisobutyl; a group of formula:

In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with phenyl, it is benzyl.

In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid, optionally N-substituted with a group selected from methyl, acetyl and boc. In some embodiments when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid, the naturally occurring amino acid is valine. In some embodiments when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid, the naturally occurring amino acid is N-methyl valine. In some embodiments when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid, the naturally occurring amino acid is N-acetyl valine. In some embodiments when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid, the naturally occurring amino acid is N-boc valine.

In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with amino. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with amido. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with acylamido. In some embodiments, when R/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with acyloxy. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with alkyl carboxyl ester. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with alkyl carbamoyl. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with alkyl carbamoyl ester. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with phenyl. In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with phosphonate ester.

In some embodiments, when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl, it is substituted with C₃₋₇heterocyclyl, optionally substituted with a group selected from methyl and oxo. In some embodiments when R¹/R^(1B) is linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with C₃₋₇heterocyclyl, the C₃₋₇heterocyclyl is dioxole, optionally substituted with a group selected from methyl and oxo.

The compounds of formula (Ib) and (Ic) are prodrugs of the acids of formula (Ia).

In some embodiments, the compounds of formula I are compounds of formula II:

In some embodiments of compounds of formula II, R¹ is H. In these embodiments, the compounds are of formula IIa:

In other embodiments of compounds of formula II, R¹ is selected from Me, Et, Pr, benzyl and pivaloyloxymethyl. In these embodiments, the compounds are of formula Ib:

where R^(1B) is selected from Me, Et, Pr, benzyl and pivaloyloxymethyl. In some of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) may be Me. In other of these of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) may be Et. In other of these of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) may be Pr. In other of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) may be benzyl. In other of these embodiments, R¹/R^(1B) may be pivaloyloxymethyl.

The esters of formula (IIb) are prodrugs of the acids of formula (IIa).

A¹-A⁴

In some embodiments, A¹ is CR^(A).

In other embodiments, A¹ is N.

In some embodiments, A² is CR^(B).

In other embodiments, A² is N.

In some embodiments, A³ is CR^(C).

In other embodiments, A³ is N.

In some embodiments, A⁴ is CR^(D).

In other embodiments, A⁴ is N.

In some embodiments, two of A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are N.

In other embodiments, one of A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are N.

In other embodiments, none of A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are N, i.e. A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are CR^(A), CR^(B), CR^(C), and CR^(D) respectively.

In some embodiments, the compound of formula I is selected from compounds of formulae (IIIa)-(IIIe):

R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present)

In some embodiments, R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, OEt, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe and OH.

In some embodiments one of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, OEt, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe and OH. The remainder (if present) are H.

In other embodiments two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, OEt, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe and OH. The remainder (if present) are H.

In some embodiments, one or two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano and OMe. The remainder (if present) are H. In some of these embodiments, one or two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃ and cyclopropyl. The remainder (if present) are H. In some of these embodiments, one or two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me and CF₃.

In some embodiments R^(A) and R^(D) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano and OMe; and R^(B) and R^(C) are H.

In some embodiments R^(A) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, OEt and CH₂OMe. In some embodiments R^(A) is selected from F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano and OMe. In some embodiments R^(A) is selected from Cl and Br. In some embodiments R^(A) is Cl. In some embodiments R^(A) is Br.

In some embodiments R^(D) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe and CH₂NMe₂. In some embodiments R^(D) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano and OMe. In some embodiments R^(D) is selected from H, F, Br, Me and OMe. In some embodiments R^(D) is H. In some embodiments R^(D) is F. In some embodiments R^(D) is Br. In some embodiments R^(D) is Me. In some embodiments R^(D) is OMe.

In some embodiments, A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are selected from combinations 1-7 in the following table:

Combination A¹ A² A³ A⁴ 1 CCl CH CH CH 2 CCl CH CH CCH₃ 3 CCl CH CH CBr 4 CBr CH CH CH 5 CCl CH CH CF 6 CCl CH CH COCH₃ 7 CBr CH CH CF

Y

In some embodiments, Y is O.

In other embodiments, Y is NH.

In other embodiments, Y is CH₂.

In some preferred embodiments, Y is O or CH₂.

In some further preferred embodiments, Y is O.

R^(Y)

In some embodiments, R^(Y) is RYA:

In some embodiments R^(Y) is RYA(I):

In other embodiments, R^(Y) is RYB:

In some preferred embodiments R^(Y) is RYA.

In some further preferred embodiments R^(Y) is RYA(I).

In some yet further preferred embodiments R^(Y) is selected from:

In some embodiments, R^(Y) is:

In some embodiments, R^(Y) is:

In some embodiments, R^(Y) is:

Z¹-Z⁵

When R^(Y) is RYA:

In some embodiments, Z¹ is CR^(Z1).

In other embodiments, Z¹ is N.

In some embodiments, Z² is CR^(Z2).

In other embodiments, Z² is N.

In some embodiments, Z⁴ is CR^(Z4).

In other embodiments, Z⁴ is N.

In some embodiments, Z⁵ is CR^(Z5).

In other embodiments, Z⁵ is N.

In some embodiments, two of Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ are N.

In other embodiments, one of Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ are N.

In other embodiments, none of Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ are N, i.e. Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ are CR^(Z1), CR^(Z2), CR^(Z4) and CR^(Z5) respectively.

In some embodiments, R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OMe, CH₂OH, C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl.

In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OMe, CH₂OH, C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl. In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OH. In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, CH₂OH. In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are both F. In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are both H. In some embodiments one of R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) is F and the other is CH₂OH.

In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OMe, CH₂OH, C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl, R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are both H. In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OH, R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are both H. In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, CH₂OH, R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are both H. In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are both F, R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are both H.

In some embodiments R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) are both H, R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are both H. In some embodiments one of R^(Z1) and R^(Z5), (if present) is F and the other is CH₂OH, R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are both H.

In some embodiments R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OMe, CH₂OH, C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl. In some embodiments R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, CF₃, CH₂OMe, C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl. In some embodiments R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) are both H.

In some embodiments one of R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OMe, CH₂OH, C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl; and the other is H. In some embodiments one of R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, CF₃, CH₂OMe, C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl; and the other is H. In some embodiments one of R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) is selected from H, F, Br, OMe, CH₂OMe, C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl; and the other is H. In some embodiments one of R^(Z2) and R^(Z4), (if present) is selected from H and F; and the other is H.

When R^(Y) is RYA(I), in some embodiments Z⁴ is CR^(Z4). In other embodiments, Z⁴ is N.

In some embodiments, one of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z)S and R^(Z4), (if present) is selected from H, F, C, Br, Me, OMe, cyano and CF₃.

In other embodiments, two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano and CF₃.

In some embodiments, one or two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br and Me. In some of these embodiments, one or two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4) (if present) are selected from H, F and Cl.

When R^(Y) is RYB, R¹² is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, OMe, cyano and CF₃. In some embodiments, R¹² is selected from H and F. In some of these embodiments, R¹² is H. In other of these embodiments, R¹² is F.

In some embodiments, the compounds are of formula (II):

wherein: R¹ is H, Me, Et, Pr, benzyl or pivaloyloxymethyl; A¹ is CR^(A) or N; one or two of R^(A) (if present), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano and OMe; the remainder of R^(A) (if present), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D) are H;

Y is O, NH or CH₂;

R^(Y) is selected from: (a)

where Z⁴ is CR^(Z4) or N; one or two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4) (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano and CF₃; the remainder of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4) (if present) are H; (b)

where R¹² is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, OMe, cyano and CF₃; with the proviso that when A¹ is CF; R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D) are H; Y is O; R^(Y) is RYA, where Z⁴ is CH, R², R³ and R⁵ are H; R¹ is not Et.

In some embodiments R¹ is H.

In some embodiments R¹ is selected from Me, Et, Pr, benzyl and pivaloyloxymethyl.

In some embodiments R¹ is Me.

In some embodiments R¹ is Et.

In some embodiments R¹ is Pr.

In some embodiments R¹ is benzyl.

In some embodiments R¹ is pivaloyloxymethyl.

In some embodiments A¹ is CR^(A).

In some embodiments A¹ is N.

In some embodiments one of R^(A) (if present), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano and OMe.

In some embodiments two of R^(A) (if present), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano and OMe.

In some embodiments one or two of R^(A) (if present), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃ and cyclopropyl.

In some embodiments one or two of R^(A) (if present), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D) are selected from H, F, Cl and CF₃.

In some embodiments Y is O.

In some embodiments Y is NH.

In some embodiments Y is CH₂.

In some embodiments R^(Y) is RYA(I).

In some embodiments Z⁴ is CR^(Z4).

In some embodiments Z⁴ is N.

In some embodiments one of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4) (if present) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, OMe, cyano and CF₃.

In some embodiments two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4) (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, OMe, cyano and CF₃.

In some embodiments one or two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4) (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br and Me.

In some embodiments one or two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z5) and R^(Z4) (if present) are selected from H, F and Cl.

In some embodiments R^(Y) is RYB.

In some embodiments R¹² is selected from H and F.

In some embodiments R¹² is H.

In some embodiments R¹² is F.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided solely to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as described herein.

Acronyms

For convenience, many chemical moieties are represented using well known abbreviations, including but not limited to, methyl (Me), ethyl (Et), n-propyl (nPr), isopropyl (iPr), n-butyl (nBu), tert-butyl (tBu), phenyl (Ph), benzyl (Bn), methoxy (MeO), ethoxy (EtO), trimethylsilyl (TMS), and acetyl (Ac).

For convenience, many chemical compounds are represented using well known abbreviations, including but not limited to, methanol (MeOH), deuterated methanol (MeOD-d₄ or CD₃OD) ethanol (EtOH), isopropanol (i-PrOH), ether or diethyl ether (Et₂O), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetic acid (AcOH), acetonitrile (MeCN), dichloromethane (methylene chloride, DCM), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), deuterated chloroform (CDCl₃), diethylamine (DEA), deuterated dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO-d₆), N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCI·HCl), meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA), 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf), tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc, BOC), 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl (SEM), triethylamine (Et₃N or TEA), 2-(1H-7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HATU), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA or DIEA), 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene dichloropalladium (II) (PdCl₂(dppf)), trans-dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) (PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂), tris(dibenzylideneacetone) dipalladium(0) (Pd₂(dba)₃), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (Pd(PPh₃)₄), propylphosphonic anhydride (T3P), hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA), 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE), chromium(VI) oxide (CrO₃), n-bromosuccinimide (NBS), potassium hydroxide (KOH), benzoyl peroxide (BPO), carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), petroleum ether (Pet. Ether), potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), lithium diisopropylamine (LDA), azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMO), benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt).

In addition, TLC refers to thin layer chromatography.

General Experimental Details

Unless otherwise stated the following generalisations apply. ¹H NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Ultrashield Plus (400 MHz) or a Bruker AVANCE III (400 MHz). The multiplicity of a signal is designated by the following abbreviations: s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quartet; dd, doublet of doublets; dt, doublet of triplets; tt, triplet of triplets; td, triplet of doublets; ddd, doublet of doublet of doublets br, broad; m, multiplet. All observed coupling constants, J, are reported in Hertz.

LCMS data was generated using the conditions described below. Chlorine isotopes are reported as ³⁵Cl, Bromine isotopes are reported as either ⁷⁹Br or ⁸¹Br or both ⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br.

LCMS Method A (LCMS-A): Instrument: Agilent 6100 Series Single Quad LC/MS Agilent 1200 Series HPLC

Pump: 1200 Series G1311A Quaternary pump

Autosampler: 1200 Series G1329A Thermostatted Autosampler Detector: 1200 Series G1314B Variable Wavelength Detector LC Conditions:

Reverse Phase HPLC analysis

Column: Luna C8 (2) 5 μm 50×4.6 mm 100 Å

Column temperature: 30° C.

Injection Volume: 5 μL Solvent A: Water 0.1% Formic Acid Solvent B: MeCN 0.1% Formic Acid

Gradient: 5-100% solvent B over 10 min

Detection: 254 nm or 214 nm MS Conditions: Ion Source: Quadrupole Ion Mode: Multimode-ES

Drying gas temp: 300° C. Vaporizer temperature: 200° C. Capillary voltage (V): 2000 (positive) Capillary voltage (V): 4000 (negative)

Scan Range: 100-1000

Step size: 0.1 sec Acquisition time: 10 min

LCMS Method B (LCMS-B): Instrument: Agilent 1260 Infinity Series UPLC/MS

Pump: 1260 Infinity G1312B Binary pump

Autosampler: 1260 Infinity G1367E 1260 HiP ALS Detector: 1290 Infinity G4212A 1290 DAD LC Conditions:

Reverse Phase HPLC analysis

Column: Poroshell 120 EC-C18 2.7 μm 50×3.0 mm

Column temperature: 35° C.

Injection Volume: 1 μL Solvent A: Water 0.1% Formic Acid Solvent B: MeCN 0.1% Formic Acid

Gradient: 5-100% solvent B over 3.8 min Detection: monitored at 254 nm and 214 nm

MS Conditions: Ion Source: Quadrupole Ion Mode: API-ES

Drying gas temp: 350° C. Capillary voltage (V): 3000 (positive) Capillary voltage (V): 3000 (negative)

Scan Range: 100-1000

Step size: 0.1 sec Acquisition time: 5 min

LCMS Method C (LCMS-C):

Instrument: Agilent 1200 (Pump type: Binary Pump, Detector type: DAD) MS model: Agilent G6110A Quadrupole

LC Conditions LC: Column: Xbridge-C18, 2.5 μm, 2.1×30 mm

Column temperature: 30° C. Acquisition of wavelength: 214 nm, 254 nm Mobile phase: A: 0.07% HCOOH aqueous solution, B: MeOH

MS: Ion source: ES+ (or ES−) MS range: 50-900 m/z Fragmentor: 60 Drying gas flow: 10 L/min Nebulizer pressure: 35 psi Drying gas temperature: 350° C. Vcap: 3.5 kV

Gradient Table: Flow (mL/min) T (min) A (%) B (%) 0.5 0.0 70 30 0.5 0.2 70 30 0.5 1.8  5 95 0.5 2.4  5 95 0.5 2.6 70 30 0.5 3.5 70 30

Sample Preparation

The sample was dissolved in methanol, the concentration about 0.11-1 mg/mL, then filtered through syringe filter with 0.22 μm (Injection volume: 1˜10 μL).

LCMS Method D (LCMS-D):

Instrument: Agilent 1200 (Pump type: Binary Pump, Detector type: DAD) MS model: Agilent G6110A Quadrupole

LC Conditions: LC: Column: Xbridge-C18, 2.5 μm, 2.1×30 mm

Column temperature: 30° C. Acquisition of wavelength: 214 nm, 254 nm Mobile phase: A: 0.07% HCOOH aqueous solution, B: MeOH

MS: Ion source: ES+ (or ES−) MS range: 50-900 m/z Fragmentor: 60 Drying gas flow: 10 L/min Nebulizer pressure: 35 psi Drying gas temperature: 350° C. Vcap: 3.5 kV

Gradient Table: Flow (mL/min) T (min) A (%) B (%) 0.5 0.0 70 30 0.5 0.3 70 30 0.5 0.6 50 50 0.5 0.9 40 60 0.5 1.2 30 70 0.5 3.2  5 95 0.5 3.5  5 95 0.5 4.0 70 30 0.5 5.0 70 30

Sample Preparation

The sample was dissolved in methanol, the concentration about 0.11˜1 mg/mL, then filtered through the syringe filter with 0.22 μm (Injection volume: 1˜10 μL).

LC-MS method E (LCMS-E): Instrument: Waters 2695 alliance (Pump type: Quaternary Pump, Detector type: 2996

Photodiode Array Detector)

MS model: Micromass ZQ

LC Conditions: LC Column: Xbridge-C18, 3.5 μm, 2.1×50 mm

Column temperature: 30° C. Acquisition of wavelength: 214 nm, 254 nm Mobile phase: A: 0.07% HCOOH aqueous solution, B: MeOH

MS: Ion source: ES+ (or ES−) MS range: 50-900 m/z Capillary: 3 kV Cone: 3 V Extractor: 3 V Drying gas flow: 600 L/hr Cone: 50 L/hr Desolvation temperature: 300° C.

Gradient Table: Flow (mL/min) T (min) A (%) B (%) 0.3 0.0 80 20 0.3 0.5 80 20 0.3 0.8 50 50 0.3 1.2 35 65 0.3 2.0 20 80 0.3 4.0  5 95 0.3 5.0  5 95 0.3 5.8 15 85 0.3 6.2 80 20 0.3 8.0 80 20

Sample Preparation

The sample was dissolved in methanol at a concentration of ˜0.11-1 mg/mL, then filtered through a 0.22 μm syringe filter (injection volume: 1-10 μL).

LC-MS Method F (LCMS-F):

Instrument: Waters 2695 alliance (Pump type: Quaternary Pump, Detector type: 2996

Photodiode Array Detector)

MS model: Micromass ZQ LC conditions

LC Column: Xbridge-C18, 2.5 μm, 2.1×30 mm

Column temperature: 30° C. Acquisition of wavelength: 214 nm, 254 nm Mobile phase: A: 0.05% HCOOH aqueous solution, B: MeOH Run time: 5 min

MS: Ion source: ES+ (or ES−) MS range: 50-900 m/z Capillary: 3.5 kV Cone: 35 V Extractor: 3 V Drying gas flow: 350 L/hr cone: 50 L/hr Desolvation temperature: 300° C. Source temperature: 120° C. Rune time: 5 min

Gradient Table: Flow (mL/min) T (min) A (%) B (%) 0.5 0.0 70 30 0.5 0.3 70 30 0.5 0.6 50 50 0.5 0.9 40 60 0.5 1.2 30 70 0.5 3.2  5 95 0.5 3.5  5 95 0.5 4.0 70 30 0.5 5.0 70 30

Sample Preparation

The sample was dissolved in methanol at a concentration of ˜0.11-1 mg/mL, then filtered through a 0.22 μm syringe filter (injection volume: 1-10 μL).

Preparative RP-HPLC:

Instrument type: Varian 940-LC series; Pump type: Quaternary Pump; Detector type: Diode Array Detector HPLC conditions: Waters Sunfire prep C18 OBD, 5 μm 19×100 mm column, eluting with a gradient of MeOH in water with 0.07% TFA at a flow rate of 15 mL/min. Acquisition wavelength 214 nm, 254 nm.

Analytical thin-layer chromatography was performed on Merck silica gel 60 F254 aluminium-backed plates which were visualised using fluorescence quenching under UV light or a basic KMnO₄ dip or Ninhydrin dip.

Preparative thin-layer chromatography (prep TLC) was performed using Tklst (China), grand grade: (HPTLC): 8±2 μm>80%; (TLC): 10-40 μm. Type: GF254. Compounds were visualised by UV (254 nm).

Flash chromatography was performed using a Biotage Isolera purification system using either Grace or RediSep® silica cartridges.

Column chromatography was performed using Tklst (China), grand grade, 100-200 meshes silica gel.

Microwave irradiation was achieved using a CEM Explorer SP Microwave Reactor.

Where necessary, anhydrous solvents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich or dried using conventional methods. Solutions of inorganic acids or bases where made up as aqueous solutions unless stated otherwise.

Additional Cartridges used are as follows:

Phase Separator: Manufacturer: Biotage

Product: ISOLUTE® Phase Separator (3 mL unless otherwise stated) SCX and SCX-2 cartridges:

Manufacturer: Biotage

Product: ISOLUTE® SCX 1 g, (6 mL SPE Column unless otherwise stated)

Manufacturer: Biotage Product: ISOLUTE® SCX-2 1 g (6 mL Column) Manufacturer: Silicycle Product: SCX-2 500 mg or 5 g Manufacturer: Agilent Product: Bond Elut® SCX 10 g Sample Extraction Cartridge: Manufacturer: Waters

Product: Oasis® HLB 35 cc (6 g) LP extraction cartridge

Solutions of hydrogen chloride, sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are aqueous, unless otherwise stated.

Intermediate Preparations (i) Ethyl 3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I1)

To a solution of 3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (800 mg, 4.16 mmol) in EtOH (40 mL) at 0° C. was added SOCl₂ (30 mL) and the mixture was heated at 85° C. overnight then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 30:1) to give the title product (754 mg, 82%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.62 min; m/z 221.0 [M+H]⁺.

(ii) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I3)

(a) Ethyl 4-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I2)

A solution of 1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)ethanone (5.0 g, 32.0 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (3.85 g, 32.0 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (6.63 g, 48.0 mmol) in DMF (150 mL) was heated at 100° C. overnight. The mixture was cooled to room temperature then poured into water and extracted twice with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by re-crystallization from EtOAc/Pet. Ether to give the title product (5.85 g, 76%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt3.36 min; m/z 239.0 [M+H]⁺, 260.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.81 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (td, J=8.0, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (dd, J=12.3, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.33 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.84 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 3H), 1.33 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(b) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I3)

A solution of ethyl 4-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I2 (5.10 g, 21.4 mmol), NBS (3.81 g, 21.4 mmol) and BPO (519 mg, 2.14 mmol) in CCl₄ (250 mL) was heated at reflux for 1 h. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet.

Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 50:1) to give the title product (6.24 g, 92%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt 3.26 min; m/z 338.8, 340.8 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.63 (dd, J=8.1, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (td, J=8.0, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.18-7.10 (m, 1H), 5.36 (s, 2H), 4.47 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.46 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(iii) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I5)

(a) Ethyl 4-chloro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I4)

A solution of 1-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)ethanone (25.0 g, 145 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (17.4 g, 145 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (30.0 g, 217 mmol) in DMF (200 mL) was heated at 100° C. overnight. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature then poured into water (1.0 L) and EtOAc (500 mL). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (500 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by re-crystallization from Pet. Ether/EtOAc to give the title product (28.0 g, 76%) as a yellow solid. LCMS-C: rt2.82 min; m/z 255.0 [M+H]⁺.

(b) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I5)

A suspension of ethyl 4-chloro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I4 (28.0 g, 0.11 mol), NBS (19.6 g, 0.11 mol) and BPO (2.67 g, 0.011 mol) in CCl₄ (200 mL) was heated at 115° C. for 1.5 h. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature then concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by re-crystallization from DCM/Pet. Ether to give the title product (26.0 g, 71%) as a purple solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.74 (dd, J=8.0, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (dd, J=7.6, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 5.61 (s, 2H), 4.44 (q, J=7.1 Hz 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(iv) 3-Aminobenzo[d]isoxazol-6-ol (I8)

(a) 2-Fluoro-4-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile (I6)

A mixture of 2-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (5.42 g, 39.6 mmol), 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (7.20 mL, 79.1 mmol) and pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (170 mg, 0.68 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100/1 to 1/1) to give title product (7.8 g, 89%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 1.874 min; m/z 221.9 [M+H]⁺.

(b) 6-((Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)benzo[d]isoxazol-3-amine (I7)

To a solution of N-hydroxyacetamide (7.75 g, 103 mmol) in DMF (180 mL) was added t-BuOK (11.6 g, 103 mmol) portion-wise and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. A solution of 2-fluoro-4-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile 16 (7.6 g, 34 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was then added and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water (200 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (300 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (500 mL×3), brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100/1 to 0/1) to give the title product (4.0 g, 49%) as a grey solid. LCMS-C: rt 1.291 min; m/z 235.0 [M+H]⁺.

(c) 3-Aminobenzo[d]isoxazol-6-ol (I8)

To a solution of 6-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)benzo[d]isoxazol-3-amine I7 (1.37 g, 5.85 mmol) in MeOH (30 mL) was added aqueous 1 M HCl (10 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=100/1 to 30/1) to give the title product (600 mg, 68%) as a light yellow solid. LCMS-C: rt 0.78 min; m/z 151.0 [M+H]⁺.

(v) 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzamide (I9)

A mixture of 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (300 mg, 1.96 mmol) and concentrated sulfuric acid (15 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured slowly into water (200 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (200 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title product (300 mg, 89%) as a pale yellow solid. LCMS-C: rt 0.99 min, m/z 172.0 [M+H]⁺.

(vi) 4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzamide (I10)

To a solution of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid (200 mg, 1.01 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) and THF (5 mL) at 0° C. was added oxalyl chloride (641 mg, 5.05 mmol) drop-wise followed by DMF (two drops) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in THF (5 mL) and added drop-wise to a concentrated aqueous ammonia solution (20 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 min. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (20 mL) and dried to give the title product (250 mg, 91%) as a light yellow solid. LCMS-C: rt0.38 min, m/z 198.0 [M+H]⁺.

(vii) 5-Hydroxypicolinamide (I11)

A suspension of 5-hydroxypicolinic acid (1 g, 7.2 mmol), NH₄Cl (3.8 g, 72 mmol), HATU (3.3 g, 8.64 mmol) and DIPEA (2.8 g, 21.6 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water (100 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title product (65 mg, 7%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt0.98 min, m/z 139.1 [M+H]⁺.

(viii) 3,5-Dichloro-4-hydroxybenzamide (I12)

Prepared from 3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile according to the procedure described for 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzamide 19. LCMS-C: rt 1.13 min, m/z 205.9 [M+H]⁺.

(ix) 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzamide (I13)

Prepared from 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzonitrile according to the procedure described for 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzamide 19. LCMS-C: rt0.33 min, m/z 168.0 [M+H]⁺.

(x) 3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzamide (I14)

Prepared from 3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid according to the procedure described for 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzamide 110. LCMS-C: rt0.34 min, m/z 162.9 [M+H]⁺.

(xi) 2-Bromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (I15)

To a solution of 2-bromo-4-methoxybenzonitrile (1.0 g, 4.7 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) was added BBr₃ (1 M solution in DCM, 14.2 mL, 14.2 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 50° C. overnight. The mixture was quenched with methanol and then poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (200 mL). The organic extract was washed with water (200 mL), brine (200 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=5:1) to give the title product (700 mg, 75%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt0.93 min; m/z 197.9 [M+H]⁺.

(xii) 3-Bromo-5-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzamide (I16)

3-Fluoro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (2.00 g, 14.6 mmol) was dissolved in acetic acid (20 mL) and bromine (0.785 mL, 15.3 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for two hours then diluted with water (100 mL). The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (4×50 mL) and air dried. The precipitate was dissolved in DMSO (100 mL) and potassium carbonate (3.02 g, 21.9 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred for five minutes then cooled with a room temperature water bath while 30% w/w aq. hydrogen peroxide (4.51 mL, 43.8 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for two hours. Additional 30% w/w aq. hydrogen peroxide (4.51 mL, 43.8 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred overnight. Another addition of 30% w/w aq hydrogen peroxide (4.51 mL, 43.8 mmol) was made and the mixture again stirred overnight. The mixture was added to water (500 mL) and the pH adjusted to ˜1 with aq. HCl (1 M). Brine (100 mL) was added and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate (3×200 mL). The pooled ethyl acetate phases were washed with aq. HCl (0.5 M, 2×300 mL), brine (300 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was recrystallised from methanol to give the title compound as a white solid (0.716 g, 21% yield). LCMS-B rt 2.48 min; m/z 231.8 [M−H]⁻.

(xiii) Ethyl 4-chloro-5-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I23) and Ethyl 4,7-difluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I24)

(a) 1-(2-Chloro-3,6-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol (I21)

To a solution of 2-chloro-3,6-difluorobenzaldehyde (5 g, 28 mmol) in dry THF (60 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was added methyl magnesium bromide (3 M solution in THF, 40 mL, 113 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. A saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (200 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (150 mL×2). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (5.35 g, 98%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 1.98 min; m/z 192.9 [M+H]⁺.

(b) 1-(2-Chloro-3,6-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-one (I22)

To a solution of 1-(2-chloro-3,6-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol 121 (5.35 g, 27.9 mmol) in acetone (150 mL) at 0° C. was added a solution of CrO₃ (3.8 g, 38 mmol) and concentrated sulfuric acid (4 mL) in water (15 mL) dropwise over 1 h. Water (150 mL) was then added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH=1:0 to 100:1) to afford the title compound (4 g, 75%) as a pale yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt0.98 min; m/z 191.0 [M+H]⁺.

(c) Ethyl 4-chloro-5-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I23) and Ethyl 4,7-difluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I24)

A suspension of 1-(2-chloro-3,6-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-one 122 (1.15 g, 6.05 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (727 mg, 6.05 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (1.26 g, 9.08 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was heated at 50° C. overnight. The mixture was cooled to room temperature then poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (150 mL×2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (150 mL×2), brine (150 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) followed by C18 reverse-phase chromatography (95% MeOH, 4% H₂O, 1% TFA) to afford ethyl 4-chloro-5-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I23) (247 mg, 15%) as a white solid, LCMS-C: rt2.89 min; m/z 272.9 [M+H]⁺ and ethyl 4,7-difluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I24) (520 mg, 32%) as a white solid, LCMS-C: rt2.89 min; m/z 256.9, [M+H]⁺.

(xiv) 3,5-Difluoro-4-hydroxybenzamide (I25)

Prepared from 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile according to the procedure described for 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzamide 19. LCMS-C: Rt0.34 min; m/z 174.0 [M+H]⁺.

(xv) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-methoxythieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I29)

(a) 1-(4-Bromo-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)ethan-1-ol (I26)

To a solution of diisopropylamine (2.9 g, 28.7 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL) at −78° C. under nitrogen was added n-BuLi (2.5 M solution in hexanes, 12.5 mL, 31.1 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 45 min. The resulting LDA solution was then added slowly to a solution of 4-bromo-2-methoxypyridine (4.5 g, 23.9 mmol) in THF (30 mL) at −78° C. and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 h. A solution of acetaldehyde (3.2 g, 71.8 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was then added dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. A saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (150 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (200 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (3.70 g, 67%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt 1.32 min; m/z 233.9 [M+H]⁺.

(b) 1-(4-Bromo-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)ethan-1-one (I27)

To a solution of 1-(4-bromo-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)ethan-1-ol (I26) (3.70 g, 15.9 mmol) in dichloromethane (200 mL) was added MnO₂ (13.9 g, 159 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100:1 to 80:1) to give the title compound (2.21 g, 60%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt 1.72 min; m/z 229.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.11 (d, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (d, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 2.47 (s, 3H).

(c) Ethyl 4-methoxy-3-methylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I28)

A suspension of 1-(4-bromo-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)ethan-1-one (I27) (2.21 g, 9.6 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (1.39 g, 11.5 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (3.98 g, 28.8 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (350 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (500 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100:1 to 80:1) to give the title compound (835 mg, 35%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt 3.46 min; m/z 252.1 [M+H]⁺.

(d) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-methoxythieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I29)

To a solution of ethyl 4-methoxy-3-methylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I28) (735 mg, 2.92 mmol) in CCl₄ (25 mL) was added NBS (531 mg, 2.98 mmol) and BPO (95 mg, 0.29 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 40:1) to give the title compound (742 mg, 77%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt 3.47 min; m/z 330.0/332.0 [M+H]⁺.

(xvi) Ethyl 7-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I34)

(a) 3-Bromo-6-chloro-2-fluorobenzaldehyde (I30)

To a solution of 1-bromo-4-chloro-2-fluorobenzene (10.0 g, 47.8 mmol) in dry THF (300 mL) at −78° C. under nitrogen was added LDA (2.0 M solution in THF, 31 mL, 62.1 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 15 min. DMF (7.00 g, 95.8 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. The reaction mixture was quenched with a saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (400 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (300 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (100% Pet. Ether) to give the title compound (4.0 g, 35%) as a white solid, which was used directly in the next step.

(b) 1-(3-Bromo-6-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol (I31)

To a solution of 3-bromo-6-chloro-2-fluorobenzaldehyde (I30) (4.00 g, 16.8 mmol) in dry THF (48 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was added methyl magnesium bromide (3 M solution in THF, 7 mL, 20.5 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. A saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (40 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=200:1 to 5:1) to give the title compound (3.58 g, 84%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt2.10 min; m/z 275.9/277.9 [M+H]⁺.

(c) 1-(3-Bromo-6-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)ethan-1-one (I32)

To a solution of 1-(3-bromo-6-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol (I31) (3.58 g, 14.1 mmol) in dichloromethane (200 mL) was added MnO₂ (12.3 g, 141.2 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (2.0 g, 56%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-F: rt2.59 min; m/z 250.9 [M+H]⁺.

(d) Ethyl 7-bromo-4-chloro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I33)

A suspension of 1-(3-bromo-6-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)ethan-1-one (I32) (2.0 g, 7.95 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (1.15 g, 9.57 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (3.3 g, 23.9 mmol) in DMF (160 mL) was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (200 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (2.0 g, 76%) as a white solid, which was used directly in the next step.

(e) Ethyl 7-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I34)

A mixture of ethyl 7-bromo-4-chloro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I33) (2.0 g, 6.0 mmol), NBS (1.09 g, 6.12 mmol) and BPO (194 mg, 0.60 mmol) in CCl₄ (50 mL) was heated at reflux under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (2.20 g, 89%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.86 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 5.51 (s, 2H), 4.43 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(xvii) Ethyl 5-(bromomethyl)-4-methoxythieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (I37)

(a) Ethyl 4-chloro-5-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (I35)

To a solution of 1-(4,6-dichloropyrimidin-5-yl)ethan-1-one (1.00 g, 5.24 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was added ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (755 mg, 6.29 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (2.17 g, 15.7 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=200:1 to 40:1) to give the title compound (276 mg, 41%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt3.12 min; m/z 257.0 [M+H]⁺.

(b) Ethyl 4-methoxy-5-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (I36)

A mixture of ethyl 4-chloro-5-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (I35) (576 mg, 2.24 mmol) and sodium methoxide (303 mg, 5.60 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100:1 to 50:1) to give the title compound (116 mg, 21%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt3.15 min; m/z 253.1 [M+H]⁺.

(c) Ethyl 5-(bromomethyl)-4-methoxythieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (I37)

To a solution of ethyl 4-methoxy-5-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (I36) (183 mg, 0.73 mmol) in CCl₄ (10 mL) was added NBS (132 mg, 0.75 mmol) and BPO (24 mg, 0.07 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100:1 to 50:1) to give the title compound (160 mg, 67%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt3.15 min; m/z 330.9/332.9 [M+H]⁺.

(xviii) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-ethoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I40)

(a) Ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I38)

To a solution of 1-(2-fluoro-6-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (2.0 g, 3.24 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (2.4 g, 4.86 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (3.6 g, 26.1 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 100° C. under nitrogen overnight. Water (100 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 mL×3), brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 10:1) to give the title compound (1.8 g, 60%) as a grey solid. LCMS-C: rt2.64 min; m/z 259.0 [M+Na]⁺.

(b) Ethyl 4-ethoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I39)

A mixture of ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I38) (300 mg, 1.27 mmol), K₂CO₃ (877 mg, 6.34 mmol) and ethyl iodide (6 mL) in DMF (10 mL) was stirred at room temperature in a sealed tube overnight. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 50:1) to give the title compound (230 mg, 68%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.50 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.16 (q, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.94 (s, 3H), 1.43 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H), 1.32 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(c) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-ethoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I40)

A suspension of ethyl 4-ethoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I39) (200 mg, 0.76 mmol), NBS (136 mg, 0.76 mmol) and AIBN (63 mg, 0.38 mmol) in CCl₄ (10 mL) was heated at reflux overnight. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (200 mg, 77%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt 3.38 min; m/z 364.9/366.9 [M+Na]⁺.

(xix) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-(methoxymethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I46)

(a) 1-Fluoro-3-(methoxymethyl)benzene (I41)

To a solution of (3-fluorophenyl)methanol (15 g, 0.12 mol) in DMF (30 mL) at 0° C. was added NaH (60% dispersion in oil, 9.6 g, 0.24 mol) and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. Mel (15 mL, 0.24 mol) was then added and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2 h. Water (300 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (150 mL×3), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (7.3 g, 43%) as a colorless oil. LCMS-C: rt 1.98 min; m/z 163.0 [M+Na]⁺.

(b) 2-Fluoro-6-(methoxymethyl)benzaldehyde (I42)

To a solution of diisopropylamine (2.61 g, 25.8 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at −78° C. was added n-BuLi (2.5 M solution in hexanes, 11.2 mL, 28 mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 40 min. The resulting LDA solution was then added to a solution of 1-fluoro-3-(methoxymethyl)benzene (I41) (3.0 g, 21.5 mmol) in THF (20 mL) dropwise at −78° C. and the mixture was stirred for 1 h. A solution of DMF (2.1 mL, 25.8 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was then added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for a further 30 min. The reaction mixture was quenched with a saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (30 mL) and the mixture was diluted with water (300 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (150 mL×3), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (400 mg, 11%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt 1.19 min; m/z 169.0 [M+H]⁺.

(c) 1-(2-Fluoro-6-(methoxymethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-ol (I43)

To a solution of 2-fluoro-6-(methoxymethyl)benzaldehyde (I42) (636 mg, 3.8 mmol) in dry THF (20 mL) at 0° C. was added methyl magnesium bromide (3.0 M solution in THF, 5.0 mL, 15.2 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was quenched with a saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (10 mL) and then extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 50:1) to give the title compound (550 mg, 79%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt0.86 min; m/z 207.0 [M+Na]⁺.

(d) 1-(2-Fluoro-6-(methoxymethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-one (I44)

To a solution of 1-(2-fluoro-6-(methoxymethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-ol (I43) (550 mg, 3.0 mmol) in acetone (8 mL) at 0° C. was added a solution of CrO₃ (420 mg, 4.2 mmol) and concentrated H₂SO₄ (1 mL) in water (3 mL) dropwise. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h then diluted with water (5 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 50:1) to give the title compound (516 mg, 94%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt 1.43 min; m/z 205.0 [M+Na]⁺.

(e) Ethyl 4-(methoxymethyl)-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I45)

A mixture of 1-(2-fluoro-6-(methoxymethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-one (I44) (516 mg, 2.84 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (517 mg, 4.2 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (785 mg, 5.68 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was heated at 120° C. overnight. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before being partitioned between water (300 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL). The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (365 mg, 49%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt2.55 min; m/z 265.0 [M+H]⁺.

(f) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-(methoxymethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I46)

A suspension of ethyl 4-(methoxymethyl)-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I45) (350 mg, 1.3 mmol), NBS (285 mg, 1.6 mmol) and BPO (32 mg, 0.13 mmol) in CCl₄ (10 mL) was heated at reflux for 1.5 h. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (230 mg, 52%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 2.78 min; m/z 342.9 [M+H]⁺.

(xx) Ethyl 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-7-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I52)

(a) 6-Bromo-2,3-difluorobenzaldehyde (I47)

To a solution of 4-bromo-1,2-difluorobenzene (5.0 g, 25.9 mmol) in dry THF (200 mL) at −78° C. under nitrogen was added LDA (2.0 M solution in THF, 17 mL, 33.7 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 15 min. DMF (3.8 g, 51.8 mmol) was then added slowly and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. The reaction mixture was quenched with a saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution and then extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (100% Pet. Ether) to give the title compound (1.3 g, 23%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 10.3 (t, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.66 (m, 2H).

(b) 1-(6-Bromo-2,3-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol (I48)

To a solution of 6-bromo-2,3-difluorobenzaldehyde (I47) (1.86 g, 8.46 mmol) in dry THF (25 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was added methyl magnesium bromide (3 M solution in THF, 3.5 mL, 10.3 mmol) dropwise before the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was quenched with 2 M aqueous HCl and then extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100:1 to 5:1) to give the title compound (1.73 g, 93%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.48-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.28 (m, 1H), 5.57 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 5.20-5.11 (m, 1H), 1.44 (d, J=6.7, 1.0 Hz, 3H).

(c) 1-(6-Bromo-2,3-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-one (I49)

A mixture of 1-(6-bromo-2,3-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol (I48) (1.73 g, 7.30 mmol) and MnO₂ (6.34 g, 73.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. ether/EtOAc=100:1 to 5:1) to give the title compound (850 mg, 49%) as a yellow oil, which was used directly in the next step. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.63-7.51 (m, 2H), 2.59 (d, J=1.1 Hz, 3H).

(d) Ethyl 4-bromo-7-fluoro-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I50)

To a solution of 1-(6-bromo-2,3-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-one (I49) (855 mg, 3.64 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) was added ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (525 mg, 4.37 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (1.50 g, 10.9 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured into water (400 mL), extracted with EtOAc (400 mL×3) and the combined organic extracts were washed with brine (400 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100:1 to 20:1) to give the title compound (726 mg, 63%) as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.36 (dd, J=8.7, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.27 (s, 1H), 4.75 (s, 1H), 4.26-4.16 (m, 2H), 1.44 (s, 3H), 1.24 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(e) Ethyl 4-bromo-7-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I51)

To a solution of ethyl 4-bromo-7-fluoro-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I50) (950 mg, 2.84 mmol) in DMF (70 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (1.65 g, 11.9 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 75° C. for 2 h. The mixture was poured into water (300 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (200 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (902 mg, 100%) as a white solid, which was used directly in the next step.

(f) Ethyl 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-7-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I52)

A mixture of ethyl 4-bromo-7-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I51) (1.0 g, 3.15 mmol), NBS (572 mg, 3.21 mmol) and BPO (102 mg, 0.32 mmol) in CCl₄ (50 mL) was heated at reflux under nitrogen for 16 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 40:1) to give the title compound (660 mg, 53%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.85 (dd, J=8.5, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 5.55 (s, 2H), 4.42 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(xxi) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chloro-7-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I56)

(a) 1-(6-Chloro-2,3-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol (I53)

To a solution of 6-chloro-2,3-difluorobenzaldehyde (1.0 g, 5.67 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL) under nitrogen was added methyl magnesium bromide (3 M solution in THF, 7.6 mL, 22.7 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. A saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (100 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (1.44 g, >100%), which was used in the next step without further purification. LCMS-C: rt 1.22 min; m/z 192.9 [M+H]⁺.

(b) 1-(6-Chloro-2,3-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-one (I54)

To a solution of 1-(6-chloro-2,3-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol (I53) (1.44 g) in acetone (15 mL) at 0° C. was added a solution of CrO₃ (1.01 g, 10.1 mmol) and concentrated sulfuric acid (2 mL) in water (7 mL) dropwise. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h then diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 10:1) to give the title compound (960 mg, 89% over two steps) as a pale yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt 1.34 min; m/z 191.0 [M+H]⁺.

(c) Ethyl 4-chloro-7-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I55)

A suspension of 1-(6-chloro-2,3-difluorophenyl)ethan-1-one (I54) (480 mg, 2.53 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (305 mg, 2.53 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (524 mg, 3.79 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was heated at 50° C. under nitrogen overnight. Water (100 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 mL×3), brine (100 mL) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (740 mg, >100%) as a pale yellow solid. The material was used in the next step without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.53 (dd, J=8.5, 4.7 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.35 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.98 (s, 3H), 1.33 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(d) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chloro-7-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I56)

A suspension of ethyl 4-chloro-7-fluoro-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I55) (740 mg), NBS (581 mg, 3.27 mmol) and BPO (66 mg, 0.27 mmol) in CCl₄ (25 mL) was heated at reflux under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (840 mg, 95% over two steps) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.67-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 4.41 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.36 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

(xxii) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I60)

(a) 1-(2,4-Dichloropyridin-3-yl)ethan-1-ol (I57)

To a solution of diisopropylamine (4.1 g, 40.6 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL) at −78° C. under nitrogen was added n-BuLi (2.5 M solution in hexane, 17.6 mL, 43.9 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 45 min. The resulting LDA solution was added slowly to a solution of 2,4-dichloropyridine (5.0 g, 33.8 mmol) in THF (30 mL) and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 h. A solution of acetaldehyde (4.5 g, 101 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. A saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (200 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with a saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100:1 to 10:1) to give the title compound (2.7 g, 42%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt0.64 min; m/z 191.9/193.9 [M+H]⁺.

(b) 1-(2,4-Dichloropyridin-3-yl)ethan-1-one (I58)

Freshly activated 4 Å molecular sieves (3.5 g) and NMO (2.5 g, 21.2 mmol) were added to a solution of 1-(2,4-dichloropyridin-3-yl)ethan-1-ol (I57) (2.7 g, 14.1 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) and the mixture was stirred for 15 min. TPAP (248 mg, 0.71 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solids were removed by filtration and the filtrate was diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 30:1) to give the title compound (2.4 g, 90%) as a pale yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt 1.17 min; m/z 189.9 [M+H]⁺.

(c) Ethyl 4-chloro-3-methylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I59)

A suspension of 1-(2,4-dichloropyridin-3-yl)ethan-1-one (I58) (400 mg, 2.12 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (255 mg, 2.12 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (440 mg, 3.18 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was heated at 50° C. for 12 h and then at 70° C. overnight. Water (100 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 mL×3), brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (500 mg, 92%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.42 min; m/z 255.9 [M+H]⁺.

(d) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I60)

A mixture of ethyl 4-chloro-3-methylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I59) (489 mg, 1.92 mmol), NBS (684 mg, 3.84 mmol) and BPO (47 mg, 0.2 mmol) in CCl₄ (20 mL) was heated at reflux for 3 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (500 mg, 78%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.53 min; m/z 333.8 [M+H]⁺.

(xxiii) Ethyl 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I62)

(a) Ethyl 4-bromo-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I61)

A solution of 1-(2-bromo-6-fluorophenyl)ethanone (2.85 g, 13.1 mmol), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (2.37 g, 19.7 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (3.63 g, 26.3 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was heated at 100° C. overnight. Water (100 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (200 mL×3), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (1.85 g, 47%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.23 min; m/z 299.1 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.06 (dd, J=8.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.76 (m, 1H), 7.73 (dd, J=7.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 4.34 (q, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 3.05 (s, 3H), 1.32 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 3H).

(b) Ethyl 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I62)

A suspension of ethyl 4-bromo-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I61) (1.82 g, 6.15 mmol), NBS (1.2 g, 6.77 mmol) and BPO (149 mg, 0.615 mmol) in CCl₄ (40 mL) was heated at reflux for 1.5 h. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (1.88 g, 82%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 2.27 min; m/z 376.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.16 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 5.59 (s, 2H), 4.40 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.36 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 3H).

(xxiv) 3-Fluoro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide (I69)

(a) 5-Bromo-3-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (I63)

To a solution of 3-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3.43 g, 24.5 mmol) in acetonitrile (30 mL) under nitrogen was added NBS (4.36 g, 24.5 mmol) and ammonium acetate (189 mg, 2.45 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with EtOAc and washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (5.0 g, 94%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt 3.70 min; m/z 217.0/219.0 [M−H]⁻.

(b) 4-Bromo-2-fluoro-6-(hydroxymethyl)phenol (I64)

To a solution of 5-bromo-3-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (I63) (5.0 g, 23.0 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) at 0° C. was added NaBH₄ (1.8 g, 45.9 mmol) portion-wise over 30 min. The mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was acidified with a 2 M aqueous HCl solution and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (6.5 g, >100%) as a brown solid, which was used in the next step without further purification. LCMS-F: rt 3.01 min; m/z 219.0/221.0 [M−H]⁻.

(c) (2-(Benzyloxy)-5-bromo-3-fluorophenyl)methanol (I65)

To a solution of 4-bromo-2-fluoro-6-(hydroxymethyl)phenol (I64) (5.35 g, 27.9 mmol) in DMF (300 mL) was added benzyl bromide (7.6 g, 44.3 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (12.3 g, 88.6 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=20:1) to give the title compound (6.8 g, 74%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.49 (dd, J=10.8, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.32 (m, 6H), 5.45-5.40 (m, 1H), 5.04 (s, 2H), 4.45 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H).

(d) Methyl 4-(benzyloxy)-3-fluoro-5-(hydroxymethyl)benzoate (I66)

A mixture of (2-(benzyloxy)-5-bromo-3-fluorophenyl)methanol (I65) (6.8 g, 21.9 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (800 mg, 1.1 mmol) and triethylamine (6.6 g, 65.6 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was heated at 110° C. in a sealed tube under a carbon monoxide atmosphere overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=10:1) to give the title compound (2.0 g, 32%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-F: rt3.92 min; m/z 313.1 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.66 (dd, J=12.0, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.30 (m, 5H), 5.37 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 4.51 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H).

(e) 4-(Benzyloxy)-3-fluoro-5-(hydroxymethyl)benzoic acid (I67)

To a solution of methyl 4-(benzyloxy)-3-fluoro-5-(hydroxymethyl)benzoate (I66) ZXW-785-093 (2.0 g, 6.9 mmol) in THF/H₂O (50 mL/25 mL) was added LiOH·H₂O (867 mg, 20.7 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water (30 mL), acidified to pH 4-5 with a 2 M aqueous HCl solution and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (1.8 g, 95%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt 2.25 min; m/z 299.0 [M+Na]⁺.

(f) 4-(Benzyloxy)-3-fluoro-5-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide (I68)

To a solution of 4-(benzyloxy)-3-fluoro-5-(hydroxymethyl)benzoic acid (I67) (1.8 g, 6.0 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added NH₄Cl (691 mg, 13.0 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. HATU (3.0 g, 7.8 mmol) and DIPEA (2.5 g, 19.5 mmol) were added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=20:1 to 10:1) to give the title compound (1.5 g, 83%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-F: rt 1.14 min; m/z 275.9 [M+H]⁺.

(g) 3-Fluoro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide (I69)

A mixture of 4-(benzyloxy)-3-fluoro-5-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide (I68) (1.5 g, 5.5 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (wetted with ca. 55% water, 150 mg) in methanol (30 mL) was heated at 80° C. in a sealed tube under a hydrogen atmosphere overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=20:1 to 10:1) to give the title compound (900 mg, 90%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt 0.64 min; m/z 207.8 [M+Na]⁺.

(xxvi) 4-Hydroxy-2-methoxybenzamide (I75)

(a) Methyl 4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoate (I74)

To a solution of 4-bromo-3-methoxyphenol (500 mg, 2.46 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added Et₃N (1.47 g, 9.85 mmol) and Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (180 mg, 0.246 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 90° C. in a sealed tube under a CO atmosphere overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=50:1) to give the title compound (100 mg, 22%) as a red solid. LCMS-F: rt 0.87 min; m/z 204.9 [M+Na]⁺.

(b) 4-Hydroxy-2-methoxybenzamide (I75)

To a solution of methyl 4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoate (I74) (100 mg, 0.55 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) was added a 7% aqueous NH₃ solution (4 mL), the flask was sealed and the mixture was heated at 90° C. overnight. After cooling to room temperature, water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=5:1) to give the title compound (32 mg, 35%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt 0.67 min; m/z 167.9 [M+H]⁺.

(xxvii) tert-Butyl (1-chloroethyl) carbonate (I76)

To a solution of 1-chloroethyl carbonochloridate (5.0 g, 35 mmol) in hexane (30 mL) at 0° C. was added a solution of pyridine (6.92 g, 87.4 mmol) in hexane (10 mL) dropwise. A white precipitate formed after complete addition. A solution of t-butanol (3.9 g, 52.4 mmol) in hexane (10 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 1 h. The mixture was diluted with hexane and washed with a saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution followed by water. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (900 mg, 14%) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.50-6.41 (m, 1H), 1.73 (dd, J=5.7, 2.0 Hz, 3H), 1.45 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 9H).

(xxviii) tert-Butyl (chloromethyl carbonate (I77)

To a solution of chloromethyl carbonochloridate (5 g, 39 mmol) in hexane (30 mL) at 0° C. was added a solution of pyridine (7.7 g, 97.0 mmol) in hexane (10 mL) dropwise. A white precipitate formed after complete addition. A solution of t-butanol (4.31 g, 58.2 mmol) in hexane (10 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 1 h. The mixture was diluted with hexane and washed with a saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution followed by water. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (2.5 g, 39%) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.83 (s, 2H), 1.45 (s, 9H).

(xxviv) 1-Chloroethyl isopropyl carbonate (I78)

To a solution of 1-chloroethyl carbonochloridate (5 g, 35.0 mmol) in hexane (30 mL) at 0° C. was added a solution of pyridine (6.9 g, 87.4 mmol) in hexane (10 mL) dropwise. A white precipitate formed after complete addition. A solution of propan-2-ol (3.15 g, 52.5 mmol) in hexane (10 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 1 h. The mixture was diluted with hexane and washed with a saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution followed by water. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (3.0 g, 52%) as a pale yellow oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.49 (q, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.89-4.79 (m, 1H), 1.75 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 3H), 1.27-1.23 (m, 6H).

(xxvv) Chloromethyl (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-valinate (I79)

To a solution of (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-valine (7.9 g, 36 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) and water (20 mL) was added NaHCO₃ (10.18 g, 121.2 mmol) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (1.03 g, 3.03 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 min, then cooled to 0° C. Chloromethyl sulfurochloridate (5 g, 30 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2 h. Water (300 mL) was added, the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (200 mL×2). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the title compound (4.8 g, 60%) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.35 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 5.94 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 5.84 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (dd, J=7.9, 6.5 Hz, 1H), 2.08-1.99 (m, 1H), 1.38 (s, 9H), 0.90-0.88 (m, 6H).

(xxvvi) 1-Chloroethyl acetate (I80)

To a solution of AlCl₃ (2.04 g, 15.3 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) at 0° C. under a N₂ atmosphere was added acetyl chloride (2.0 g, 25.5 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 min. Acetaldehyde (5.0 M in THF, 5.1 mL, 25.5 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. The mixture was partitioned between water (300 mL) and DCM (300 mL), the layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure at 35° C. to give the title compound as a pale red oil (final volume of 6 mL), which was used directly in the next step without further purification.

(xxvii) 1-Chloroethyl isobutyrate (I81)

To a solution of AlCl₃ (1.5 g, 11.3 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) at 0° C. under N₂ atmosphere was added isobutyryl chloride (2.0 g, 18.8 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 min. Acetaldehyde (5 M in THF, 3.75 mL, 18.8 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. The mixture was partitioned between water (300 mL) and DCM (300 mL), the layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure at 30° C. to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil (final volume of 6 mL), which was used directly in the next step without further purification.

(xxviii) Chloromethyl dimethylcarbamate (I82)

To a solution of chloromethyl carbonochloridate (1.0 g, 7.76 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added dimethylamine (2 M in THF, 3.9 mL, 7.76 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (3.2 g, 23.3 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (510 mg, 48%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt 0.64 min; m/z 138.0 [M+H]⁺.

(xxvviv) Chloromethyl acetyl-L-valinate (I83)

To a solution of acetyl-L-valine (5.8 g, 36 mmol) in DCM (50 mL) and water (50 mL) was added NaHCO₃ (10.2 g, 121.2 mmol) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (1.03 g, 3.03 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 min, then cooled to 0° C. Chloromethyl sulfurochloridate (5 g, 30 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2 h. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (3×200 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×150 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (2.5 g, 40%) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.27 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 5.91 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 5.85 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (dd, J=7.7, 6.2 Hz, 1H), 2.11-1.98 (m, 1H), 1.89 (s, 3H), 0.92-0.89 (m, 6H).

(xxvvv) Methyl 4-hydroxypiperidine-1-carboxylate (I84)

To a mixture of piperidin-4-ol (1.00 g, 9.88 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (2.73 g, 19.8 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) was slowly added methyl chloroformate (1.12 g, 11.9 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered and filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (1.40 g, 89%) as a colorless oil, which was used in the next step without further purification. LCMS-C: rt 0.33 min; m/z 160.0 [M+H]⁺.

(xxvvvi) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorothieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I88)

a) 1-(3-Chloro-5-fluoropyridin-4-yl)ethan-1-ol (I85)

A solution of lithium diisopropylamide (titrated 2.0 M) in THF/heptane/ethylbenzene (13.1 mL, 18.2 mmol) was slowly added to a cooled (−78° C.) solution of 3-chloro-5-fluoro-pyridine (2.00 g, 15.2 mmol) in THF (30 mL). The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 h before a solution of acetaldehyde (2.5 mL, 3 eq) in THF (2.5 mL) added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was quenched under nitrogen by the addition of a saturated aqueous solution of NH₄Cl. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (×3), washed with saturated NH₄Cl_((aq)), brine and dried over MgSO₄. The organics were filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (24 g SiO₂ cartridge, 0-30% EtOAc in petroleum benzine) to give the title compound (1.2 g, 44%) as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.36 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 5.44-5.24 (m, 1H), 2.56 (s, 1H), 1.61 (dd, J=6.8, 0.9 Hz, 3H). LCMS-B: rt 3.085 min, m/z 176.0 [M+H]⁺.

b) 1-(3-Chloro-5-fluoropyridin-4-yl)ethan-1-one (I86)

1-(3-Chloro-5-fluoro-4-pyridyl)ethanol (I85) (0.56 g, 3.2 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (10 mL) was added to a stirred suspension of pyridinium chlorochromate (1.0 g, 4.7 mmol) and freshly activated 4 Å sieves in anhydrous DCM (10 mL) and the mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was taken-up in EtOAc/petroleum benzine (3:1) and filtered through a plug of silica. The silica was washed with EtOAc/petroleum benzine and the filtrate dried in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (12 g SiO₂ cartridge, 0-30% EtOAc in petroleum benzine) to give the title compound (0.42 g, 77%) as a colourless liquid. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 2.61 (d, J=1.0 Hz, 3H).

c) Ethyl 4-chloro-3-methylthieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I87)

A high pressure tube was charged with 1-(3-chloro-5-fluoro-4-pyridyl)ethanone (0.711 g, 4.10 mmol) (I86) (& (I86b), not described), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (0.449 mL, 4.10 mmol), potassium carbonate (0.85 g, 6.1 mmol) and N,N-dimethylformamide (10 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. overnight. Further portions of ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (0.450 mL, 4.10 mmol) and DMF (5 mL) were added and the mixture stirred at 80° C. for 1 day. Water was added and the mixture extracted with EtOAc (3×35 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by column chromatography (12 g SiO₂ cartridge, 0-20% EtOAc in petroleum benzine) to give the title compound (0.28 g, 27% yield) as a white solid. LCMS-B: rt 3.727 min, m/z 255.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.97 (s, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 4.43 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 1.43 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

d) Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorothieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (I88)

A solution of ethyl 4-chloro-3-methyl-thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (0.28 g, 1.1 mmol) (I87), N-bromosuccinimide (0.387 g, 2.17 mmol), benzoyl peroxide (75%, remainder water, 0.11 g, 0.34 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (30 mL) was stirred at reflux for 3 h. The mixture was concentrated and purified by column chromatography to give the title compound (0.34 g, 94%) as a pale yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.57 (s, 1H), 5.51 (s, 2H), 4.48 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.45 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). LCMS-A: rt 6.876 min, m/z=334.0 [M+H]⁺ for ⁷⁹Br.

EXAMPLES 3-((4-Carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (1)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A1 (200 mg, 0.53 mmol) in THF/H₂O (5 mL/1 mL) was added LiOH·H₂O (68 mg, 1.60 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water (150 mL) and acidified to pH 4-5 with aq. 1 M HCl. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried at 60° C. overnight to give the title product (150 mg, 81%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt2.54 min; m/z 345.9 [M+H]⁺, 367.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.93 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 3H), 7.58 (td, J=8.0, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (dd, J=11.9, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.72 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed.

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (2)

(a) Ethyl 3-((4-cyano-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (A2)

A mixture of ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I3 (25 mg, 0.079 mmol), 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (0.013 g, 0.087 mmol) and cesium carbonate, 60-80 mesh (0.0385 g, 0.118 mmol) was stirred in DMF (0.5 mL) at room temperature. After 1.5 hours the mixture was added to ice water (10 mL) and the mixture filtered, the collected solids washed with water (2×1 mL) and air dried to give the title compound as an off-white solid (25.0 mg, 81% yield). LCMS-A rt 6.61 min; no product ions detected. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.64 (dd, J=8.2, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (td, J=8.1, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.25-7.17 (m, 2H), 7.11 (ddd, J=11.7, 7.9, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 6.04 (s, 2H), 4.37 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.38 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). ¹⁹F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −117.68 (t, J=4.1 Hz), −123.57 (d, J=4.1 Hz).

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (2)

A mixture of ethyl 3-((4-cyano-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A2 (20 mg, 0.051 mmol), DMSO (0.5 mL), potassium carbonate (0.0035 g, 0.026 mmol) and 30% aq. hydrogen peroxide (0.0047 mL, 0.15 mmol) was stirred at room temperature. After three hours additional 30% aq. hydrogen peroxide (0.0047 mL, 0.15 mmol) was added. After five hours the mixture was diluted with water (10 mL), filtered and the collected solid was washed with water (2×1 mL) and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (16.8 mg, 80% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.41 min; m/z 409.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD-d₄) δ 7.76 (dd, J=8.2, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.19 (ddd, J=12.0, 7.9, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 5.98 (s, 2H), 4.30 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.31 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). ¹⁹F NMR (376 MHz, MeOD-d₄) δ −119.08 (t, J=3.3 Hz), −127.78 (d, J=3.1 Hz).

Benzyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (3)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 1 (100 mg, 0.29 mmol) in benzyl alcohol (6 mL) was added conc. H₂SO₄ (4 drops) and the mixture was heated at 70° C. overnight. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and purified directly by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=100:0 then 10:1 to 0:100) followed by re-crystallization from DCM/Pet. Ether to give the title product (20 mg, 15%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.41 min; m/z 436.0 [M+H]⁺, 458.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.96 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.63-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.43 (dd, J=6.4, 2.8 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.30 (m, 4H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.71 (s, 2H), 5.40 (s, 2H).

Isopropyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (4)

A mixture of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 1 (60 mg, 0.17 mmol), i-PrOH (104 mg, 1.74 mmol), EDCI.HCl (67 mg, 0.34 mmol) and DMAP (5 mg) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured into water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was re-crystallized from DCM/Pet. Ether to give the title product (10 mg, 15%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.34 min; m/z 388.0 [M+H]⁺, 410.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.95 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.60-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.32-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 7.14 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 5.16-5.13 (m, 1H), 1.33 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 6H).

General Method A (Table 1)

Step (a)

A solution of the appropriate ketone (1 equiv.), ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (1 equiv.) and K₂CO₃ (1.5 equiv.) in DMF (0.1-0.3 M) was heated at 100° C. overnight. The mixture was cooled to room temperature then poured into water and extracted twice with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by re-crystallization from EtOAc/Pet. Ether to give the desired product.

Step (b)

A solution of the ethyl ester (1 equiv.), NBS (1 equiv.) and BPO (0.1 equiv.) in CCl₄ (0.08-0.1 M) was heated at reflux for 1 h. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 50:1) to give the desired product.

Step (c)

A solution of the alkyl bromide (1 equiv.), the appropriate phenol (1.05 equiv.) and Cs₂CO₃ (1.5 equiv.) in DMF (0.1-0.3 M) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by re-crystallization from DCM/Pet. Ether to give the desired product.

General Method B (Table 1)

To a solution of the ester (1 equiv.) in THF/H₂O (5:1, 0.08-0.10 M) was added LiOH·H₂O (3 equiv.) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water and acidified to pH 4-5 with aqueous 1 M HCl. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried at 60° C. overnight to give the desired product.

General Method C (Table 1)

To a solution of the ester (1 equiv.) in MeOH/H₂O (3:1, 0.01-0.05 M) was added KOH (4.9 equiv.) and the mixture was heated at 60° C. for 1 h. Most of the methanol was removed under reduced pressure and the aqueous residue was adjusted to pH 5 with aqueous 1 M HCl. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried under reduced pressure to give the desired product.

General Method D (Table 1)—Alternative Method to Step (c) of Method A

The appropriate alkyl bromide (1 eq), the appropriate phenol (1.1 eq), finely ground cesium carbonate (60-80 mesh, 1.5 eq) and DMF (to 0.1-0.3M) were stirred at room temperature for two hours. The mixture was diluted with ice cold water, the resulting precipitate collected by filtration or centrifugation, washed with the minimum water and air dried to give the ether product.

General Method E (Table 1)

The ester (1 eq), 2:1 THF:MeOH (to 0.05-0.1M) and 2 M aq. lithium hydroxide (7 eq) were stirred at room temperature for three hours. The volatile solvents were removed with a current of air and the residue diluted with cold 3 M aq. HCl. The precipitate was collected by filtration or centrifugation, washed with the minimum water and air dried to give the acid product.

The following examples were made according to the methods described in the general procedures:

Starting LCMS Ex materials Name and structure data ¹H NMR data Method 5 I1

LCMS- C: rt 2.24 min; m/z 356.0 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.11-8.08 (m, 2H), 7.87-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.59-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.79 (s, 2H),4.36(q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Steps (b) and (c) Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)benzo[b] thiophene-2-carboxylate 6 5

LCMS- C: rt 1.59 min; m/z 328.0 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.07 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.85-7.78 (m, 3H), 7.56-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.82 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B Reacted at 30° C. overnight 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)benzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 7 I5

LCMS- C: rt 2.33 min; m/z 390.0 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.20-7.18 (m, 2H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.86 (s, 2H), 4.37 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c), purified by silica gel chromato- graphy (Pet. Ether/ EtOAc = 1:0 to 30:1) Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 8 7

LCMS- C: rt 1.86 min; m/z 362.0 [M + H]⁺, 383.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.11 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.56-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.89 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 9 1-(4-Chloro- 2-fluoro- phenyl) ethanone

LCMS- C: rt 2.41 min; m/z 390.0 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.29 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.86-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.57 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.77 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step b: Purified by re- crystalliza- tion from DCM/Pet. Ether Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-6- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 10 9

LCMS- C: rt 2.06 min; m/z 361.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 14.0 (s, 1H), 8.26 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.85-7.65 (m, 3H), 7.54 (dd, J = 8.8, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.80 (s, 2H). B 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-6- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 11 1-(3-Chloro- 2-fluoro- phenyl) ethanone

LCMS- C: rt 2.43 min; m/z 390.0 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.13 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.74 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.78 (s, 2H), 4.38 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.30 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step b: Purified by re- crystalliza- tion from DCM/Pet. Ether Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-7- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 12 11

LCMS- C: rt 2.04 min; m/z 361.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 14.2 (br s, 1H), 8.08 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 3H), 7.71 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.81 (s, 2H). B 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-7- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 13 1-(5-Chloro- 2-fluoro- phenyl) ethanone

LCMS- C: rt 2.36 min; m/z 390.0 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.18-8.14 (m, 2H), 7.87-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.63 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 5.77 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.28 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H). A Step b: Purified by re- crystalliza- tion from DCM/Pet. Ether Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-5- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 14 13

LCMS- C: rt 2.00 min; m/z 361.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.13-8.11 (m, 2H), 7.86-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.60 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.80 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-5- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 15 1-(2,3,6- Trifluoro- phenyl) ethanone

LCMS- C: rt 2.32 min; m/z 391.9 [M + H]⁺, 413.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.88-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.55-7.50 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 5.70 (s, 2H), 4.38 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4,5- difluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 16 15

LCMS- C: rt 1.84 min; m/z 363.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.87-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.51-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.71 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4,5- difluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 17 1-(2-Chloro- 6-fluoro-3- methyl- phenyl) ethanone

LCMS- C: rt 2.43 min; m/z 403.9 [M + H]⁺ 425.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.03 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.92-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.89 (s, 2H), 4.34 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.28 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step a: 1) reacted at 85° C. 2) Purified by chromato- graphy(Pet. Ether) Step b: Stirred overnight Step c: Purified by prep-HPLC Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4-chloro-5- methylbenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 18 17

LCMS- C: rt 2.07 min; m/z 375.9 [M + H]⁺ 397.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 14.0 (s, 1H), 8.00 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 3H), 7.55 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.91 (s, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H). B Purified by prep-HPLC 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4-chloro-5- methylbenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 19 1-(4-Chloro- 2,6-difluoro- phenyl) ethanone

LCMS- C: rt 2.41 min; m/z 407.9 [M + H]⁺ 429.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.55 (dd, J = 11.4, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.67 (s, 2H), 4.35 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.28 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-6-chloro-4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 20 19

LCMS- C: rt 2.08 min; m/z 379.9 [M + H]⁺, 401.8 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.86-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.50 (d, J = 11.2 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.71 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-6-chloro-4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 21 1-(2-Bromo- 6-fluoro- phenyl) ethanone

LCMS- C: rt 2.33 min; m/z 433.9 [M + H]⁺ 455.8 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 3H), 7.80 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 4.35 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.28 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step a and b: Crude products used in next step without purification Step c: Purified by chromato- graphy(Pet. Ether/ EtOAc = 10:1 to 1:2) Ethyl 4-bromo-3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy)methyl) benzo[b]thiophene-2- carboxylate 22 21

LCMS- C: rt 1.95 min; m/z 405.8 [M + H]⁺ 428.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.95 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 3H), 7.60 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 7.07 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 6.08 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B Purified by re- crystalliza- tion from DCM/Pet. Ether 4-Bromo-3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy)methyl) benzo[b]thiophene-2- carboxylic acid 23 1-(3- Fluoro- pyridin-2- yl)ethanone

LCMS- C: rt 1.78 min; m/z 356.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.85 (dd, J = 4.4, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.65 (dd, J = 8.3, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 3H), 7.62 (dd, J = 8.3, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.68 (s, 2H), 4.35 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step a: Purified by chromato- graphy(Pet. Ether/ EtOAc = 1:0 to 50:1) Step c: Purified by re- crystalliza- tion from DCM/Pet. Ether Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy)methyl) thieno[3,2-b]pyridine- 2-carboxylate 24 23

LCMS- C: rt 0.39 min; m/z 328.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 14.1 (s, 1H), 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.61 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 3H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.34-6.96 (m, 3H), 5.69 (s, 2H). B Purified by re- crystalliza- tion from DCM/Pet. Ether 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy)methyl) thieno[3,2-b]pyridine- 2-carboxylic acid 25 I5

LCMS- C: rt 2.42 min; m/z 407.9 [M + H]⁺ 429.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.62- 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.51 (s, 2H), 7.04-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.96 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 4.37 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-3- fluorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 26 25

LCMS- C: rt 2.01 min; m/z 379.9 [M + H]⁺ 401.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.17-8.09 (m, 1H), 7.70 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.43 (m, 4H), 7.04 (dd, J = 12.9, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 5.90 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4-Carbamoyl-3- fluorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 27 I5

LCMS- C: rt 2.38 min; m/z 425.9 [M + H]⁺ 447.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.19-8.13 (m, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.73 (s, 1H), 7.64-7.51 (m, 2H), 6.93-6.91 (m, 2H), 5.86 (s, 2H), 4.37 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.31 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl- 3,5- difluorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 28 27

LCMS- C: rt 1.99 min; m/z 397.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.12 (dd, J = 7.4, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.48 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 2H), 5.88 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4-Carbamoyl-3,5- difluorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 29 I5 and I13

LCMS- C: rt 2.28 min, m/z 419.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.18-8.13 (m, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.52 (m, 3H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 7.25-7.18 (m, 2H), 5.85 (s, 2H), 4.39-4.29 (m, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 1.27 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2- methoxyphenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 30 29

LCMS- C: rt 1.81 min; m/z 391.9 [M + H]⁺, 413.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.13-8.11 (m, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.51 (m, 3H), 7.47 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.23-7.20 (m, 2H), 5.87 (s, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4-Carbamoyl-2- methoxyphenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 31 1-(2,4,6- Trifluoro- phenyl) ethan-1- one

LCMS- C: rt 2.32 min, m/z 391.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.98 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.92-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.48-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.07 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.67 (s, 2H), 4.34 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4,6- difluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 32 31

LCMS- C: rt 1.82 min, m/z 363.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.93 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.89-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.44- 7.36 (m, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.07 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.69 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4,6- difluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 33 1-(2-Fluoro- 6- methoxy- phenyl) ethan- 1-one

LCMS- C: rt 2.32 min, m/z 407.9 [M + Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.93-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.62 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 5.77 (s, 2H), 4.31 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 1.25 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H). A Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4- methoxybenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 34 33

LCMS- C: rt 1.69 min, m/z 357.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.7 (s, 1H), 7.88-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.60 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 5.79 (s, 2H), 3.64 (s, 3H). C 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4- methoxybenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 35 1-(2-Fluoro- 6-(trifluoro- methyl) phenyl) ethan-1-one

LCMS- C: rt 2.30 min, m/z 423.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.53 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.79-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 5.66 (s, 2H), 4.33 (q, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H). A Ethyl 3-((4- carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzo[b] thiophene-2-carboxylate 36 35

LCMS- C: rt 1.97 min, m/z 395.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.50 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.86-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.73 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.70 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4- Carbamoylphenoxy) methyl)-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzo[b] thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 37 I5 and I9

LCMS- C: rt 2.36 min, m/z 423.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.18-8.13 (m, 1H), 7.99-7.89 (m, 3H), 7.62-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 5.95 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.28 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2- chlorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 38 37

LCMS- C: rt 2.04 min, m/z 395.8 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.96-7.90 (m, 2H), 7.89-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.27 (m, 2H), 6.18 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4-Carbamoyl-2- chlorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 39 I5 and I12

LCMS- C: rt 2.49 min, m/z 457.8 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.11 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (s, 2H), 7.64- 7.53 (m, 3H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 4.12 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.12 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl- 2,6- dichlorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 40 39

LCMS- C: rt 2.21 min, m/z 429.8 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.8 (s, 1H), 8.14-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.88 (s, 2H), 7.62-7.50 (m, 3H), 6.18 (s, 2H). C 3-((4-Carbamoyl-2,6- dichlorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 41 I5 and I10

LCMS- C: rt 2.31 min, m/z 449.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.06 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.08 (s, 2H), 5.90 (s, 2H), 4.11 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.47 (s, 6H), 1.14 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl- 2.6- dimethoxyphenoxy) methyl)-4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 42 41

LCMS- C: rt 1.89 min, m/z 421.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.04 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.57 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.47 (m, 1H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.07 (s, 2H), 5.93 (s, 2H), 3.47 (s, 6H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4-Carbamoyl-2,6- dimethoxyphenoxy) methyl)-4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 43 I5 and I14

LCMS- C: rt 2.25 min, m/z 414.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.27-8.21 (m, 2H), 8.17 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.64-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 6.02 (s, 2H), 4.37 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2- cyanophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 44 43

LCMS- C: rt 1.78 min, m/z 386.9 [M+HJ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 6 8.23-8.17 (m, 2H), 8.05-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.65 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.37 (m, 3H), 6.20 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-((4-Carbamoyl-2- cyanophenoxy)methyl)- 4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 45 I5 and I11

LCMS- C: rt 2.30 min, m/z 390.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.37 (d, J = 2.7 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (dd, J = 7.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.73-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.62-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 5.96 (s, 2H), 4.35 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.27 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-(((6- carbamoylpyridin-3- yl)oxy)methyl)-4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 46 45

LCMS- C: rt 1.88 min, m/z 362.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.37 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.73-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.48 (m, 3H), 5.98 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-(((6-Carbamoylpyridin- 3-yl)oxy)methyl)-4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 47 I5 and I8

LCMS- C: rt 2.46 min, m/z 402.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J = 6.9, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.60- 7.54 (m, 2H), 7.21- 7.19 (m, 1H), 6.90- 6.86 (m, 1H), 6.30 (s, 2H), 5.86 (s, 2H), 4.35 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.27 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Step (c) Ethyl 3-(((3- aminobenzo[d]isoxazol- 6-yl)oxy)methyl)-4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 48 47

LCMS- C: rt 2.11 min, m/z 374.9 [M + H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.12 (dd, J = 7.1, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.58- 7.51 (m, 2H), 7.20 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 6.30 (s, 2H), 5.89 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 3-(((3- Aminobenzo[d]isoxazol- 6-yl)oxy)methyl)-4- chlorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 49 I3

LCMS-B rt 3.67 min; m/z 407.7 [M + H]⁺. D Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-3- chlorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 50 49

LCMS-A rt 5.65 min; m/z 379.7 [M + H]⁺. E 3-((4-Carbamoyl-3- chlorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 51 I3

LCMS-A rt 6.12 min; m/z 441.7 [M + H]⁺. D Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-3- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy) methyl)-4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 52 51

LCMS-A rt 5.73 min; m/z 413.7 [M + H]⁺. E 3-((4-Carbamoyl-3- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy) methyl)-4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 53 I3

LCMS-B rt 3.64 min; m/z 387.8 [M + H]⁺. D Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-3- methylphenoxy)methyl)- 4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 54 53

LCMS-A rt 5.63 min; m/z 359.8 [M + H]⁺. E 3-((4-Carbamoyl-3- methylphenoxy)methyl)- 4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 55 I3 and I16

LCMS-A rt 6.16 min; m/z 471.6 [M + H]⁺. D Ethyl 3-((2-bromo-4- carbamoyl-6- fluorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylate 56 55

LCMS-B rt 3.38 min; m/z 441.6 [M + H]⁺. E 3-((2-Bromo-4- carbamoyl-6- fluorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid 57 2

LCMS-A rt 5.64 min; m/z 380.0 [M − H]⁻. E 3-((4- Carbamoyl-2,6- difluorophenoxy)methyl)- 4- fluorobenzo[b]thiophene- 2-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (58) and 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (59)

(a) Ethyl 3-((4-cyano-2-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (A3)

Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I3 (0.050 g, 0.16 mmol), 3-fluoro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile (0.024 g, 0.17 mmol) and cesium carbonate, 60-80 mesh (0.0770 g, 0.236 mmol) were stirred in DMF (0.5 mL) at room temperature. After 1.5 hours the mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and the mixture was centrifuged. The solvent was decanted and the precipitate resuspended in water (3 mL). The mixture was filtered, the collected solids washed with water (2×1 mL) and air dried to give the title compound as an off-white solid (40.0 mg, 68% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.81 min; m/z 371.9 [M−H]⁻. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, chloroform-d) δ 7.64 (dd, J=8.2, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.36 (dd, J=10.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.23 (m, peak obscured by solvent), 7.10 (ddd, J=11.6, 7.9, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 4.40 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.39 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). ¹⁹F NMR (376 MHz, chloroform-d) δ −117.57, −130.69.

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (58) and 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (59)

Ethyl 3-((4-cyano-2-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A3 (0.035 g, 0.094 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.0065 g, 0.047 mmol) were stirred in DMSO (0.5 mL) before 30% aq. hydrogen peroxide (0.096 mL, 0.28 mmol) was added dropwise. After two hours the mixture was added to iced water (5 mL) and stood for 15 minutes. The mixture was filtered, and the collected solid washed with water (2×1 mL) and air dried to give ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 58 as a white solid (30.0 mg, 82% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.37 min; m/z 391.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.01-7.91 (m, 2H), 7.80-7.73 (m, 1H), 7.71 (dd, J=12.4, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (td, J=8.1, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.26 (m, 2H), 5.78 (s, 2H), 4.35 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.28 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). ¹⁹F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ −118.06, −134.57.

The combined filtrate and washings from the above filtration step was adjusted to pH 1 with aq. HCl (3 M) and stood at 4° C. overnight. The mixture was filtered, the collected solid washed with the minimum of aq. HCl (0.5 M) and air dried to give 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 59 as a white solid (3.8 mg, 11% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.37 min; m/z 363.8 [M+H]⁺.

3-((4-Carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-cyclopropylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (61)

(a) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-cyclopropylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (60)

A solution of ethyl 4-bromo-3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 21 (150 mg, 0.34 mmol), cyclopropyl boronic acid (60 mg, 0.69 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (40 mg, 0.034 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (144 mg, 1.03 mmol) in dioxane (10 mL) was heated at reflux under a N₂ atmosphere overnight. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, EtOAc (60 mL) and water (50 mL) were added and the layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=10:1 to 1:2) to give the title product (70 mg, 51%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: (ES-API): rt2.40 min; m/z 396.0 [M+H]⁺, 418.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.96 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.89-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.48 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.12 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 4.33 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.43-2.41 (m, 1H), 1.26 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 0.82-0.80 (m, 4H).

(b) 3-((4-Carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-cyclopropylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (61)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-cyclopropylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 60 (50 mg, 0.13 mmol) in THF/H₂O (10 mL/3 mL) was added LiOH·H₂O (30 mg, 0.71 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water (15 mL) and acidified to pH 4-5 with aqueous 1 M HCl. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and purified by prep-HPLC to give the title product (3.0 mg, 7%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: (ES-API): rt2.11 min; m/z 368.0 [M+H]⁺, 389.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.92 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.44 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.01 (s, 2H), 2.48-2.41 (m, 1H), 0.87-0.74 (m, 4H), CO₂H not observed.

3-((4-Carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-cyanobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (63)

(a) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-cyanobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (62)

A stirred solution of ethyl 4-bromo-3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 21 (140 mg, 0.32 mmol) and CuCN (144 mg, 1.61 mmol) in NMP (10 mL) was heated at 180° C. for 2 h then allowed to cool to room temperature, poured into water and extracted twice with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=1:0 to 0:1) to give the title product (90 mg, 73%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: (ES-API): rt2.11 min; m/z 381.0 [M+H]⁻, 402.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.54 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.76 (m, 3H), 7.76 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 4.44-4.31 (m, 2H), 1.30 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

(b) 3-((4-Carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-cyanobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (63)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-cyanobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 62 (85 mg, 0.22 mmol) in THF/H₂O (8 mL/3 mL) was added LiOH·H₂O (29 mg, 0.67 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water and acidified to pH 4 with aqueous 1 M HCl. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure to give the title product (70 mg, 89%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: (ES-API): rt0.76 min; m/z 352.9 [M+H]⁺, 374.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.51 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.73 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.90 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed.

3-((3-Bromo-4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (64)

(a) Ethyl 3-((3-bromo-4-cyanophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (A4)

A mixture of ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I5 (200 mg, 0.6 mmol), 2-bromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile 115 (131 mg, 0.66 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (391 mg, 1.2 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was heated at 50° C. for 2 h. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (200 mL). The organic extract was washed with water (200 mL), brine (200 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=10:1) to give the title product (200 mg, 74%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: (ES-API): rt2.95 min; m/z 472.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.81-7.79 (m, 2H), 7.61 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 4.12 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.43 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

(b) 3-((3-Bromo-4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (64)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((3-bromo-4-cyanophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A4 (100 mg, 0.22 mmol) in H₂O₂ (30% aqueous solution)/DMSO/EtOH (1 mL/1 mL/4 mL) was added a 5% aqueous NaOH solution (10 drops) and the resulting mixture was heated at 50° C. overnight. The mixture was acidified to pH 3-4 with aqueous 1 M HCl and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic extract was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC to give the title product (25 mg, 26%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: (ES-API): rt2.03 min; m/z 439.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.92 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.34 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (dd, J=8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.00 (s, 2H), CO₂H and CONH₂ protons not observed.

Ethyl 3-((3-bromo-4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (65)

To a solution of 3-((3-bromo-4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 64 (crude material from previous step, (50 mg, ˜50% purity, ˜0.057 mmol) in EtOH (15 mL) was added conc. H₂SO₄ (10 drops) and the mixture was heated at 90° C. overnight. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic extract was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=30:1) to give the title product (10 mg, 37%) as a yellow solid. LCMS-C: (ES-API): rt2.46 min; m/z 467.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.16 (dd, J=6.4, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (dd, J=8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 5.86 (s, 2H), 4.38 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.31 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

3-((4-Carbamoyl-2,3-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (67)

(a) Ethyl 4-chloro-3-((4-cyano-2,3-difluorophenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (A5)

A mixture of ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I5 (0.030 g, 0.090 mmol), 2,3-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (0.015 g, 0.099 mmol) and cesium carbonate, 60-80 mesh (0.044 g, 0.13 mmol) in DMF (0.3 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Water (˜15 mL) was added and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3×25 mL). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the title compound (0.031 g, 85% yield) as a white solid. LCMS-B rt 3.892 min; m/z 405.7 [M−H]⁻. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.17 (dd, J=7.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.54-7.48 (m, 1H), 6.03 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,3-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (66)

Hydrogen peroxide solution (30% w/w in H₂O, 0.25 mL) was added to a mixture of ethyl 4-chloro-3-((4-cyano-2,3-difluorophenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A5 (0.029 g, 0.071 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.0049 g, 0.036 mmol) in DMSO (0.5 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was returned to room temperature and stirred for 30 minutes. An extra aliquot of hydrogen peroxide solution (30% w/w in H₂O, 0.25 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 2 hours. Water (˜10 mL) was added and the suspension was filtered and the solid washed with water and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (0.012 g, 40% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.763 min; m/z 425.7 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.16 (dd, J=7.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.50 (m, 4H), 7.37-7.29 (m, 1H), 5.97 (s, 2H), 4.37 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(c) 3-((4-Carbamoyl-2,3-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (67)

An aqueous solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (2 M, 0.125 mL, 0.250 mmol) was added to ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,3-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 66 (0.011 g, 0.026 mmol) in THF:MeOH (2:1, 1 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was suspended in aqueous HCl (˜2 M). The suspension was filtered and the solid washed with water and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (0.0043 g, 42% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.431 min; m/z 397.7 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.10 (dd, J=7.7, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 7.62 (s, 1H), 7.60-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.33 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 6.02 (s, 2H), CO₂H proton not observed.

3-((4-Carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (69)

(a) Ethyl 4-chloro-3-((4-cyano-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (A6)

A mixture of ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I5 (0.025 g, 0.075 mmol), 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (0.013 g, 0.082 mmol) and cesium carbonate, 60-80 mesh (0.037 g, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (˜10 mL) was added and the precipitate was isolated by vacuum filtration. The precipitate was washed with water and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (0.030 g, 98% yield). LCMS-A rt 6.701 min; product did not ionise. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J=7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.89-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.63 (dd, J=7.7, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.18 (s, 2H), 4.28 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.25 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (68)

A mixture of ethyl 4-chloro-3-((4-cyano-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A6 (0.023 g, 0.056 mmol), potassium carbonate (0.0039 g, 0.028 mmol) and hydrogen peroxide solution (30% w/w in H₂O, 0.017 mL, 0.17 mmol) in DMSO (0.5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. Water (˜10 mL) was added and the precipitate was isolated by filtration, washed with water (2×1 mL) and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (0.016 g, 65% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.607 min; m/z 447.7 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 4.25 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.22 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(c) 3-((4-Carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (69)

A mixture of ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 68 (0.012 g, 0.028 mmol) and LiOH·H₂O (2 M solution, 0.125 mL, 0.25 mmol) in THF:MeOH (2:1, 1 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 17 hours. The volatiles were removed by a stream of air and the residue was suspended in aq. HCl (2 M solution, −5 mL). The precipitate was filtered, washed with a minimum volume of water and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (0.0030 g, 27% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.655 min; m/z 395.7 [M−H]⁻. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.13-8.06 (m, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.52 (m, 5H), 6.16 (s, 2H), CO₂H proton not observed.

3-((2-Bromo-4-carbamoyl-6-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (71)

(a) Ethyl 3-((2-bromo-4-carbamoyl-6-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (70)

A mixture of 3-bromo-5-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzamide 116 (0.019 g, 0.082 mmol), ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I5 (0.025 g, 0.075 mmol) and cesium carbonate, 60-80 mesh (0.037 g, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (˜10 mL) was added and the precipitate was isolated by vacuum filtration. The precipitate was washed with water and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (0.029 g, 80% yield). LCMS-A RT 6.255 min; product did not ionise. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.12 (dd, J=8.1, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.92-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.75 (dd, J=12.0, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (dd, J=7.7, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.54 (m, 2H), 6.16 (s, 2H), 4.20 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.18 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(b) 3-((2-Bromo-4-carbamoyl-6-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (71)

A mixture of ethyl 3-((2-bromo-4-carbamoyl-6-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 70 (0.022 g, 0.045 mmol) and LiOH·H₂O solution (2 M, 0.125 mL, 0.25 mmol) in THF:MeOH (2:1, 1 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 17 hours. The volatiles were removed under a stream of air and the residue was suspended in aq. HCl (˜2 M, ˜3 mL). The mixture was filtered and the precipitate was washed with a minimum volume of water and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (0.013 g, 63% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.753 min; m/z 455.6 [M−H]⁻. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.90-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.72 (dd, J=12.5, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.43-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.33 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.38 (s, 2H), CO₂H proton not observed.

3-((4-carbamoyl-2-methoxy-6-methylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (73)

(a) Ethyl 4-chloro-3-((4-cyano-2-methoxy-6-methylphenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (A7)

A mixture of ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I5 (0.030 g, 0.090 mmol), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methyl-benzonitrile (0.016 g, 0.099 mmol) and cesium carbonate, 60-80 mesh (0.044 g, 0.13 mmol) in DMF (0.3 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. Water (˜15 mL) was added and the precipitate was isolated by vacuum filtration and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (0.021 g, 56% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.846 min; m/z 437.7 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.10 (dd, J=7.9, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (dd, J=7.6, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.33 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.16 (m, 1H), 6.02 (s, 2H), 4.18 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 1.72 (s, 3H), 1.17 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-methoxy-6-methylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (72) and 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-methoxy-6-methylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (73)

A mixture of ethyl 4-chloro-3-((4-cyano-2-methoxy-6-methylphenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A7 (0.019 g, 0.046 mmol), potassium carbonate (0.0095 g, 0.069 mmol) and hydrogen peroxide solution (30% w/w in H₂O, 0.014 mL, 0.14 mmol) in DMSO (0.75 mL) was stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. An additional aliquot of hydrogen peroxide solution (30% w/w in H₂O, 0.014 mL, 0.14 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 4 hours. A final aliquot of hydrogen peroxide solution (30% w/w in H₂O, 0.014 mL, 0.14 mmol) was then added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 20 hours. Water (˜20 mL) was added and the aqueous phase was adjusted to pH ˜10 with aq. NaOH (2 M). The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL) and the organic extracts were combined, washed with brine (3×20 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed in vacuo to give ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-methoxy-6-methylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 72 as a tan coloured solid (0.008 g, 40% yield). LCMS-B RT 3.609 min; m/z 455.7 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.09 (dd, J=8.0, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 7.62 (dd, J=7.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.24-7.17 (m, 2H), 5.98 (s, 2H), 4.14 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.14 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H);

The aqueous phase was adjusted to pH ˜2 with aq. HCl (2 M) and extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed in vacuo to give 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-methoxy-6-methylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 73 as a white solid (0.011 g, 59% yield). LCMS-B RT 3.402 min; m/z 405.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.06 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 2H), 6.02 (s, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 1.72 (s, 3H), CO₂H proton not observed.

(Pivaloyloxy)methyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (74)

A mixture of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (8) (0.048 g, 0.13 mmol), sodium iodide (0.080 g, 0.53 mmol), cesium carbonate, 60-80 mesh (0.086 g, 0.27 mmol) and chloromethyl pivalate (0.076 mL, 0.53 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 hours. Water (˜10 mL) was added and the precipitate was isolated by filtration. The solid was recrystallised from DCM/cyclohexane to give the title compound as a white powder (0.026 g, 41% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.892 min; m/z 475.8 [M+H]⁺, m/z 497.7 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.18 (dd, J=6.4, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.91-7.82 (m, 3H), 7.63-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.97 (s, 2H), 5.85 (s, 2H), 1.12 (s, 9H).

3-(((4-Carbamoylphenyl)amino)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (76)

(a) Ethyl 3-(((4-carbamoylphenyl)amino)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (75)

A solution of ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I5 (500 mg, 1.56 mmol), 4-aminobenzamide (213 mg, 1.56 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (865 mg, 6.26 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc (50 mL) and the organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH=100:1 to 20:1) then re-crystallized (DCM/Pet. Ether) to give the title compound (500 mg) as a white solid. A 100 mg portion was further purified by preparative HPLC to give the title compound (5 mg) LCMS-C: rt2.27 min; m/z 388.9 [M+H]⁺, 410.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.09 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.60-7.49 (m, 3H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 6.65 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 5.04 (s, 2H), 4.36-4.34 (m, 2H), 1.29 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 3H). The remaining material was used in the subsequent step without further purification.

(b) 3-(((4-Carbamoylphenyl)amino)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (76)

To a solution of ethyl 3-(((4-carbamoylphenyl)amino)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 75 (200 mg, 0.51 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added NaOH (206 mg, 5.14 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water (10 mL) and acidified to pH 4-5 with aq. 1 M HCl. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and purified by preparative HPLC to give the title compound (7 mg, 4%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 1.79 min; m/z 360.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.07 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.55-7.51 (m, 3H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 6.65 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.31 (br s, 1H), 5.05 (s, 2H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (77)

A mixture of ethyl 4-bromo-3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 21 (400 mg, 0.92 mmol), methylboronic acid (221 mg, 3.68 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (159 mg, 0.138 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (509 mg, 3.68 mmol) in dioxane (30 mL) was heated at 120° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere overnight. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with EtOAc (150 mL) and the organic phase was washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=10:1 to 1:1) then re-crystallized (DCM/Pet. Ether) to give the title compound (200 mg) as a white solid. A 70 mg portion was purified further by preparative HPLC to give the title compound (40 mg, 12%). LCMS-C: rt2.35 min; m/z 370.0 [M+H]⁺, 391.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.94-7.88 (m, 4H), 7.45 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.12-7.10 (m, 2H), 5.79 (s, 2H), 4.33 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 1.27 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). The remaining material was used in the subsequent step without further purification.

Further Examples I

The following examples were made according to the methods described in the general procedures:

Starting Ex materials Name and structure LCMS data ¹H NMR data Method 78 77

LCMS-C: rt 1.98 min; m/z 342.0 [M + H]⁺ 363.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.9 (s, 1H), 7.91-7.87 (m, 4H), 7.42 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.12-7.10 (m, 2H), 5.82 (s, 2H), 2.65 (s, 3H). B Purified by preparative HPLC 79 I24 and I25

LCMS-C: rt 2.45 min; m/z 427.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.63-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.44-7.35 (m, 1H), 5.84 (s, 2H), 4.27 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Steps (b) and (c) 80 79

LCMS-C: rt 2.19 min; m/z 399.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.52-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.34 (m, 1H), 5.88 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 81 I24

LCMS-C: rt 2.41 min; m/z 391.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.97-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.58-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.37 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.07 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.68 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.27 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H). A Steps (b) and (c) 82 81

LCMS-C: rt 1.88 min; m/z 362.0 [M − H]⁻ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.90-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.39-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.28-7.05 (m, 4H), 5.79 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C 83 I23

LCMS-C: rt 2.40 min; m/z 407.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.23-8.17 (m, 1H), 7.90-7.87 (m, 3H), 7.69 (t, J = 9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.84 (s, 2H), 4.35 (q, J = 7.1 Hz,2H), 1.27 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A Steps (b) and (c) 84 83

LCMS-C: rt 2.14 min; m/z 379.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.90-7.83 (m, 3H), 7.70-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 5.87 (s,2H), CO₂H not observed. C 85 I23 and I25

LCMS-C: rt 2.47 min; m/z 443.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.22-8.11 (m, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.73-7.48 (m, 4H), 6.10 (s, 2H), 4.24 (q, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.21 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H). A Steps (b) and (c) 86 85

LCMS-C: rt 2.17 min; m/z 415.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.04 (s, 1H), 8.00-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.57 (m, 3H), 7.47 (m, 1H), 6.31 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C

3-(4-Carbamoylphenethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (88)

(a) Ethyl (E)-3-(4-cyanostyryl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A8

Ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I3 (100 mg, 0.32 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (0.091 g, 0.35 mmol) were stirred in THF (1.5 mL) at 60° C. for 2.5 hours under a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was diluted with THF (3 mL) and cooled to 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. Potassium tert-butoxide (0.039 g, 0.35 mmol) was added and the bright yellow mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. A solution of 4-cyanobenzaldehyde (45 mg, 0.35 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 3.5 hours. Water (50 mL) and brine (5 mL) were added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (4×25 mL). The pooled DCM extracts were washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography (4 g silica cartridge, 0-50% ethyl acetate/hexanes) and then recrystallised from toluene to give the title compound as an off-white solid (14.6 mg, 13% yield). LCMS-B rt 3.97 min; m/z 351.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, chloroform-d) δ 7.98 (dd, J=16.5, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.70-7.59 (m, 5H), 7.46 (td, J=8.0, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 7.15-7.01 (m, 2H), 4.40 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.40 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). ¹⁹F NMR (376 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −110.14.

(b) Ethyl 3-(4-cyanophenethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A9

Ethyl (E)-3-(4-cyanostyryl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A8 (15 mg, 0.043 mmol), ethyl acetate (2 mL), ethanol (1 mL) and 10% Pd/C (53% wetted with water, 20 mg) were stirred vigorously under a hydrogen atmosphere for two hours. The mixture was filtered through an HPLC filter and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as a white solid (20.0 mg, >100% yield). The material was used in the next step without further purification assuming quantitative yield. LCMS-A rt 6.84 min; no products ions detected. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, chloroform-d) δ 7.69-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.50-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.07 (ddd, J=12.1, 7.9, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.74-3.67 (m, 2H), 3.06-2.99 (m, 2H), 1.41 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

(c) Ethyl 3-(4-carbamoylphenethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 87

Crude ethyl 3-(4-cyanophenethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate A9 (0.0427 mmol, quantitative yield assumed) was slurried in DMSO (0.75 mL) and treated in a fashion analogous to that of the preparation of 2 to give the title compound (8.10 mg, 51% yield, ˜85% purity by ¹⁹F NMR). LCMS-B rt 3.54 min; m/z 371.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, methanol-d₄) δ 7.84-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.72 (dd, J=8.1, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (ddd, J=9.0, 7.5, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.28 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.09 (m, 1H), 4.34 (qd, J=7.1, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 3.77-3.68 (m, 2H), 3.06-2.96 (m, 2H), 1.37 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), CONH₂ protons not observed. ¹⁹F NMR (376 MHz, Methanol-d4) δ −120.17.

(d) 3-(4-Carbamoylphenethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 88

Ethyl 3-(4-carbamoylphenethyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 87 (6.7 mg, 0.018 mmol) was dissolved in 2:1 THF:MeOH (1 mL) and a 2.0 M aqueous solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.125 mL, 0.250 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours before the volatile solvents were stripped with a stream of air. The aqueous residue was diluted with 1 M aqueous HCl (1 mL), the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with aqueous 0.5 M HCl (2×0.5 mL) and air dried to give the title compound as a white solid (4.9 mg, 79% yield). LCMS-A rt 5.68 min; m/z 343.8 [M+H]⁺.

Further Examples II

The following examples were made according to the methods described in the general procedures:

Starting Ex materials Name and structure LCMS data ¹H NMR data Method  89 I62 & I25

LCMS-C: rt 2.48 min; m/z 469.8/471.8 [M + H]⁺, 491.8/493.8 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.18 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.83 (dd, J = 7.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.49 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.18 (s, 2H), 4.24 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.21 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1 eq phenol and 2 eq Cs₂CO₃ used; Purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc = 1:1)  90  89

LCMS-C: rt 2.12 min; m/z 441.8/443.8 [M + H]⁺, 463.7/465.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.16 (dd, J = 8.0, 0.4 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.81 (dd, J = 7.7, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.46 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.22 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B  91 I60 & I25

LCMS-C: rt 2.12 min; m/z 426.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.43 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 7.60-7.56 (m, 1H), 6.10 (s, 2H), 4.26 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.22 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1 eq phenol used; purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH = 100:0 to 100:1)  92 I56 & I25

LCMS-C: rt 2.53 min; m/z 443.9 [M + H]⁺, 465.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.68 (dd, J = 8.5, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.53 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.10 (s, 2H), 4.26 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.22 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1 eq phenol used; purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH = 100:0 to 80:1)  93  92

LCMS-C: rt 2.17 min; m/z 415.9 [M + H]⁺, 437.8 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.66 (dd, J = 8.5, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.50 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.13 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. C  94 I40 & I25

LCMS-C: rt 2.52 min; m/z 457.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.54 (m, 4H), 7.48 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.06 (s, 2H), 4.27 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.09 (q, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.25 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.16 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1 eq phenol and 2 eq Cs₂CO₃ used; purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc = 2:1)  95  94

LCMS-C: rt 2.15 min; m/z 429.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.52 (m, 4H), 7.44 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.09 (s, 2H), 4.06 (q, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.11 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B  96 165

LCMS-C: rt 2.04 min; m/z 415.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.70-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.46 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.84 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.20 (s, 2H), 3.55 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B  97 I5  & I75

LCMS-C: rt 2.53 min; m/z 419.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.13 (dd, J = 7.1, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 6.76 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.71 (s, 1H), 5.89 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 1.29 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1 eq phenol and 4 eq K₂KO₃ used; purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH = 20:1) and Prep-RP-HPLC.  98  97

LCMS-C: rt 2.20 min; m/z 391.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.08 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.46 (m, 3H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 6.74 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.71 (s, 1H), 5.92 (s, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B: 10 eq NaOH used; MeOH used as solvent  99 I34 & I25

LCMS-C: rt 2.78 min; m/z 503.8/505.8 [M + H]⁺, 525.8/527.8 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.55 (m, 4H), 6.09 (s, 2H), 4.26 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1.05 eq bromide, 1 eq phenol and 2 eq Cs₂CO₃ used; purified by trituration with MeOH 100  99

LCMS-D: rt 4.10 min; m/z 497.8/499.7 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.52 (m, 4H), 6.14 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 101 144

LCMS-F: rt 2.85 min; m/z 434.0 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.50 (m, 4H), 7.39 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (s, 2H), 2.52 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B 102 I29 & I25

LCMS-F: rt 2.95 min; m/z 423.0 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (d, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.64-7.55 (m, 3H), 5.94 (s, 2H), 4.29 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1.05 eq bromide, 1 eq phenol and 2 eq Cs₂CO₃ used; purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc = 100:1 to 1:1) 103 102

LCMS-F: rt 1.65 min; m/z 395.1 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.11 (d, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.53 (m, 3H), 5.96 (s, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B 104 145

LCMS-F: rt 1.30 min; m/z 427.8 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.53 (m, 4H), 7.50 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.18 (s, 2H), 5.69 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H), 4.76 (d, J = 3.9 Hz, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 105 146

LCMS-F: rt 2.63 min; m/z 441.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.63-7.53 (m, 4H), 7.50 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.17 (s, 2H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 3.33 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B 106 147

LCMS-D: rt 2.31 min; m/z 435.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 10.9 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.26 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 107 149

LCMS-F: rt 2.72 min; m/z 428.0 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.58-7.53 (m, 4H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B 108 I37 & I25

LCMS-D: rt 3.78 min; m/z 424.0 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.84 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.64-7.58 (m, 3H), 5.86 (s, 2H), 4.29 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 1.25 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 2 eq Cs₂CO₃ used; purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH = 100:1 to 20:1) 109 108

LCMS-D: rt 3.60 min; m/z 396.0 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.66-7.53 (m, 3H), 5.87 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B 110 I5  & I69

LCMS-D: rt 3.92 min; m/z 438.0 [M + H]⁺, 460.0 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.13 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.58 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 6.07 (s, 2H), 5.07 (brs, 1H), 4.23 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 1.20 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1.05 eq bromide, 1 eq phenol and 2 eq Cs₂CO₃ used; purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc = 1:1 to 1:3) (step C) 111 110

LCMS-D: rt 3.34 min; m/z 408.0 [M − H]⁻ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.11 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.55 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 6.10 (s, 2H), 5.08 (br s, 1H), 4.17 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 112 151

LCMS-D: rt 3.35 min; m/z 426.0 [M − H]⁻ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.7-13.3 (m, 2H), 8.12 (dd, J = 7.3, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (s, 2H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.60-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.23 (m, 2H), 7.13 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 5.89 (s, 2H). B 113 150

LCMS-D: rt 3.59 min; m/z 406.0 [M + H]⁺, 428.0 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11 (dd, J = 7.0, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.60-7.49 (m, 3H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.7 Hz, 1H), 5.87 (s, 2H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 3.32 (s, 3H), CO₂H not observed. B 114 142

LCMS-C: rt 2.35 min; m/z 425.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.44 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.24 (s, 2H), 2.85-2.76 (m, 1H), 1.08-1.00 (m, 2H), 0.95-0.88 (m, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 115 I46 & I25

LCMS-C: rt 2.49 min; m/z 458.0 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.09-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.50 (m, 5H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 4.98 (s, 2H), 4.28-4.14 (m, 2H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 1.29-1.16 (m, 3H). A (step C): Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH = 100:0 to 50:1) 116 I52 & I25

LCMS-D: rt 4.34 min; m/z 488.0 [M + H]⁺, 509.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.87 (dd, J = 8.5, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.47 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (s, 2H), 4.26 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.21 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1.05 eq bromide, 1 eq phenol and 2 eq Cs₂CO₃ used; purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc = 100:0 to 1:1) 117 116

LCMS-F: rt 4.28 min; m/z 459.8 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.85 (dd, J = 8.5, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.57 (d, J = 2.9 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.19 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B 118 153

LCMS-F: rt 2.43 min; m/z 423.0 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.16 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.83 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.53 (m, 3H), 6.16 (s, 2H), CO₂H not observed. B: Purified the precipitate by Prep- HPLC 121 I29 & I69

LCMS-D: rt 3.52 min; m/z 435.1 [M + H]⁺, 457.1 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (d, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.78-7.76 (m, 1H), 7.74-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.70-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 5.10 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.17 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). A (step C): 1.2 eq phenol and 3 eq Cs₂CO₃ used; purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH = 10:1)

Further Examples III (Pivaloyloxy)methyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-fluoro benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (122)

A suspension of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-fluoro benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 93 (50 mg, 0.12 mmol), chloromethyl pivalate (73 mg, 0.48 mmol), NaI (72 mg, 0.48 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (78 mg, 0.24 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water (50 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 mL×3), brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the title compound (65 mg, 100%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.76 min; m/z 529.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.11 (s, 1H), 7.70 (dd, J=8.6, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 7.68-7.54 (m, 4H), 6.10 (s, 2H), 5.90 (s, 2H), 1.12 (s, 9H).

The following examples were prepared according to the procedure described for (122).

Starting Ex materials Name and structure LCMS data ¹H NMR data Comment 123 96 & Chloromethyl pivalate

LCMS-C: rt 2.61 min; m/z 529.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.66-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.52 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 5.98 (s, 2H), 5.92 (s, 2H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 1.14 (s, 9H). 124 114  & Chloromethyl pivalate

LCMS-C: rt 2.76 min; m/z 518.0 [M + H]⁺ , 540.0 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆)δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.50 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.21 (s, 2H), 5.85 (s, 2H), 2.84-2.76 (m, 1H), 1.11 (s, 9H), 1.05-1.02 (m, 2H), 0.94-0.90 (m, 2H). 125 69 & 1-Chloro-2- methylpropyl propionate

LCMS-C: rt 2.74 min; m/z 547.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.67-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.66 (d, J = 4.9 Hz, 1H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 2.39-2.30 (m, 2H), 2.07-1.97 (m, 1H), 1.02 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H), 0.92-0.90 (m, 6H). Heated at 60° C. overnight; Purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOA c = 10:1 to 0:1) 126 69 & 4-(Chloromethyl)- 5-methyl-1,3- dioxol-2-one

LCMS-C: rt 2.46 min; m/z 509.9 [M + H]+ 531.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.66-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.11 (s, 2H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 2.17 (s, 3H). Purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOA c = 10:1 to 0:1) and recrystallization (Pet. Ether/DCM) 127 69 & 2-Chloro-N,N- dimethylacetamide

LCMS-C: rt 2.28 min; m/z 482.9 [M + H]⁺ 504.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.52 (m, 5H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 5.01 (s, 2H), 2.94 (s, 3H), 2.82 (s, 3H). Purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOA c = 10:1 to 0:1) then prep-HPLC 128 90 & Chloromethyl pivalate

LCMS-C: rt 2.67 min; m/z 555.9/557.9, [M + H]⁺ 577.9/579.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.21 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.85 (dd, J = 7.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.51 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.17 (s, 2H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 1.12 (s, 9H). Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeO H = 100:0 to 100:1) 129 69 & I76

LCMS-C: rt 2.69 min; m/z 563.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.67-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.73 (q, J = 5.4 Hz, 1H), 6.11 (app q, J = 11.3 Hz, 2H), 1.46 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 3H), 1.40 (s, 9H). Purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeO H = 20:1) 130 69 & I77

LCMS-C: rt 2.64 min; m/z 550.1 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.16 (dd, J = 7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.67-7.55 (m, 5H), 6.12 (s, 2H), 5.84 (s, 2H), 1.42 (s, 9H). Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeO H = 1:0 to 50:1) 131 117  & Chloromethyl pivalate

LCMS-C: rt 2.74 min; m/z 595.8/597.8 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.89 (dd, J = 8.5, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.49 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (s, 2H), 5.89 (s, 2H), 1.12 (s, 9H). Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeO H = 1:0 to 50:1) 132 69 & I78

LCMS-C: rt 2.64 min; m/z 549.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.69-7.52 (m, 5H), 6.77 (q, J = 5.4 Hz, 1H), 6.16-6.06 (m, 2H), 4.82-4.72 (m, 1H), 1.48 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 3H), 1.23-1.20 (m, 6H). Purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeO H = 20:1) 133 69 & I79

LCMS-C: rt 2.69 min; m/z 648.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.16 (dd, J = 7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.06-8.00 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.54 (m, 5H), 7.30 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 5.97 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 1H), 5.87 (d, J = 6.2 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 2.03-1.92 (m, 1H), 1.34 (s, 9H), 0.85-0.82 (m, 6H). 3 eq. of XWH-744-022 used; Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeO H = 50:1) 134 69 & I80

LCMS-C: rt 2.52 min; m/z 505.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.55 (m, 5H), 6.86 (q, J = 5.4 Hz, 1H), 6.11 (s, 2H), 2.05 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 3H), 1.46 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 3H). Purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOA c = 10:1 to 1:1) then prep-TLC (EtOAc) 135 69 & I81

LCMS-C: rt 2.68 min; m/z 533.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.55 (m, 5H), 6.86 (q, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H), 6.15-6.07 (m, 2H), 2.59-2.52 (m, 1H), 1.47 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 3H), 1.09-1.06 (m, 6H). Purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOA c = 10:1 to 1:1) 136 69 & 2-Chloro-N,N- dimethylethan-1- amine

LCMS-D: rt 2.97 min; m/z 468.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD-d₄) δ 7.93 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.45 (m, 3H), 6.25 (s, 2H), 3.69 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.61 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.38 (s, 6H), CONH₂ protons not observed. 2 eq. of 2-Chloro-N,N- dimethylethan-1-amine used; Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeO H = 10:1) 137 69 & 4-(2-Bromoethyl) morpholine

LCMS-F: rt 2.23 min; m/z 511.1 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.13 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.66-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 4.33 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.54-3.51 (m, 4H), 2.56 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.42-2.40 (m, 4H). 2 eq. of 4-(2- Bromoethyl)morpholine and 3 eq. of Cs₂CO₃ used; Heated at 60° C.; Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeO H = 20:1) 138 69 & I82

LCMS-C: rt 2.37 min; m/z 498.9 [M + H]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.52 (m, 5H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 5.84 (s, 2H), 2.83 (s, 6H). Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeO H = 50:1) 139 69 & I83

LCMS-C: rt 2.38 min; m/z 568.9 [M + H]⁺ 590.9 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.21 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (dd, J = 7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.55 (m, 5H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 5.97 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 1H), 5.88 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.16 (dd, J = 7.6, 6.2 Hz, 1H), 2.05-1.94 (m, 1H), 1.87 (s, 3H), 0.86-0.83 (m, 6H). Purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeO H = 20:1) 140 117  & 1-Chloro-2- methylpropyl propionate

LCMS-D: rt 4.83 min; m/z 610.0/612.0 [M + Na]⁺ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆)7.89 (dd, J = δ 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.5, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.50 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.66 (d, J = 4.9 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (s, 2H), 2.43-2.27 (m, 2H), 2.10-1.96 (m, 1H), 1.01 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H), 0.90 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 6H). Heated at 60° C.; Purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeO H = 100:1 to 30:1)

Further Examples IV Methyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (141)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 1 (120 mg, 0.35 mmol) and Et₃N (39 mg, 0.39 mmol) in THF (10 mL) at −15° C. was added a solution of ethyl chloroformate (40 mg, 0.37 mmol) in THF (2 mL). The mixture was then stirred at −5° C. for 30 min and filtered. The filtrate was diluted with acetonitrile (5 mL), (diazomethyl)trimethylsilane (2 M in hexanes, 0.35 mL, 0.70 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 4° C. overnight. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed with a 10% aqueous citric acid solution followed by a saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution, then brine, then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=5:1) to give the title compound (20 mg, 16%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.12 min; m/z 359.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.97 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.34-7.26 (m, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.07 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.71 (s, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-cyclopropylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (142)

A solution of ethyl 4-bromo-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6 difluorophenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 114 (290 mg, 0.61 mmol), cyclopropyl boronic acid (159 mg, 1.85 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (105 mg, 0.09 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (253 mg, 1.83 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (10 mL) was heated at reflux under a N₂ atmosphere overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=2:1) to give the title compound (137 mg, 52%) as a grey solid. LCMS-C: rt2.56 min; m/z 453.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.47 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 6.21 (s, 2H), 4.20 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.85-2.76 (m, 1H), 1.19 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.08-1.01 (m, 2H), 0.96-0.89 (m, 2H).

(Diethoxyphosphoryl)methyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (143)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (1.0 g, 2.5 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added diethyl (hydroxymethyl)phosphonate (1.27 g, 7.54 mmol), EDCl·HCl (964 mg, 5.03 mmol) and DMAP (61 mg, 0.50 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=50:1) to give the title compound (360 mg, 26%) as a yellow solid. LCMS-C: rt 2.35 min; m/z 547.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.17 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.50 (m, 5H), 6.15 (s, 2H), 4.66 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 4.19-4.02 (m, 4H), 1.24 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 6H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (144)

A mixture of ethyl 7-bromo-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 99 (200 mg, 0.40 mmol), K₂CO₃ (164 mg, 1.19 mmol), methyl boronic acid (48 mg, 0.79 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (46 mg, 0.04 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (15 mL) was heated at reflux under N₂ overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (30 mg, 17%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt3.42 min; m/z 440.0 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.53 (m, 4H), 7.43 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 4.26 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.23 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-(hydroxymethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (145)

(a) (Tributylstannyl)methanol (I94)

To a solution of diisopropylamine (2.1 g, 20.6 mmol) in THF (50 mL) at −78° C. under N₂ was added n-BuLi (2.5 M in hexanes, 8.2 mL, 20.6 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 30 min. Tributylstannane (5.0 g, 17.2 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to 0° C. and stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was again cooled to −78° C. and paraformaldehyde (527 mg, 5.84 mmol) was added. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (Pet. Ether/EtOAc=80:1) to give the title compound (3.0 g, 55%) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.68 (s, 1H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 1.56-1.47 (m, 6H), 1.34-1.27 (m, 6H), 0.95-0.85 (m, 15H).

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-(hydroxymethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 145

To a solution of ethyl 7-bromo-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 99 (100 mg, 0.198 mmol) and (tributylstannyl)methanol 194 (127 mg, 0.396 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (6 mL) was added Pd(PPh₃)₄ (23 mg, 0.02 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux under N₂ overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=15/1) to give the title compound (19 mg, 21%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt3.69 min; m/z 478.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.55 (m, 4H), 7.52 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (s, 2H), 5.76 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.78 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 4.25 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-(methoxymethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (146)

(a) Tributyl(methoxymethyl)stannane (I95)

To a solution of diisopropylamine (765 mg, 7.56 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at −78° C. under N₂ was added n-BuLi (2.5 M in hexanes, 2.75 mL, 6.87 mmol) dropwise and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 30 min. Tributylstannane (2.0 g, 6.87 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to 0° C. and stirred for 30 min. The mixture was again cooled to −78° C., chloro(methoxy)methane (554 mg, 6.87 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (100% Pet. Ether) to give the title compound (530 mg, 23%) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) b 3.70 (s, 2H), 3.29 (s, 3H), 1.55-1.45 (m, 6H), 1.36-1.25 (m, 6H), 0.93-0.87 (m, 15H).

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-(methoxymethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (146)

To a solution of ethyl 7-bromo-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 99 (100 mg, 0.198 mmol) and tributyl(methoxymethyl)stannane 195 (200 mg, 0.594 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (6 mL) was added Pd(PPh₃)₄ (23 mg, 0.02 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux under N₂ overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (72 mg, 38%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt3.27 min; m/z 469.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.66-7.52 (m, 5H), 6.15 (s, 2H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 4.26 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 1.24 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (147)

(a) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I96)

A mixture of ethyl 7-bromo-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 99 (300 mg, 0.59 mmol), 4,4,4′,4′,5,5,5′,5′-octamethyl-2,2′-bi(1,3,2-dioxaborolane) (227 mg, 0.89 mmol), KOAc (175 mg, 1.78 mmol) and Pd(dppf)Cl₂·DCM (49 mg, 0.06 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (18 mL) was heated at reflux under N₂ overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=100:1) to give the title compound (260 mg, 80%) as a grey solid. LCMS-F: rt2.64 min; m/z 469.7 [M−C₆H₁₀+H]⁺.

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (147)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I96 (60 mg, 0.109 mmol) in THF (4 mL) at 0° C. was added NaOH (5 mg, 0.109 mmol) and H₂O₂ (30% aqueous solution, 37 mg, 0.327 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. Ice cold water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=20:1) to give the title compound (25 mg, 52%) as a yellow solid. LCMS-F: rt2.82 min; m/z 442.0 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 11.1 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.66-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.42 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.10 (s, 2H), 4.24 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.22 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

N-(2-Amino-2-oxoethyl)-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide (148)

A mixture of 2-aminoacetamide hydrochloride (34 mg, 0.302 mmol), 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (100 mg, 0.251 mmol), HATU (144 mg, 0.377 mmol) and DIPEA (98 mg, 0.754 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=10:1) to give the title compound (30 mg, 26%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 1.80 min; m/z 453.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.65 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.40 (m, 5H), 7.41 (s, 1H), 7.08 (s, 1H), 5.97 (s, 2H), 3.79 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (149)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 147 (70 mg, 0.158 mmol) and CH₃I (34 mg, 0.238 mmol) in DMF (6 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (66 mg, 0.475 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (36 mg, 50%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt3.27 min; m/z 455.97 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.63-7.53 (m, 4H), 7.16 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.10 (s, 2H), 4.24 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 1.22 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-3-(methoxymethyl)phenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (150)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((3-bromo-4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 65 (200 mg, 0.427 mmol) and tributyl(methoxymethyl)stannane 195 (430 mg, 1.28 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (15 mL) was added Pd(PPh₃)₄ (50 mg, 0.043 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux under a N₂ atmosphere overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic extract was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=10:1) to give the title compound (15 mg, 8%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt4.17 min; m/z 434.1 [M+H]⁺, 456.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J=6.9, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.49 (m, 3H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (dd, J=8.5, 2.7 Hz, 1H), 5.85 (s, 2H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.32 (s, 3H), 1.29 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-3-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (151)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((3-bromo-4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 65 (100 mg, 0.213 mmol) and tert-butyl 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxylate (188 mg, 0.639 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane/water (10 mL/0.5 mL) was added Pd(PPh₃)₄ (25 mg, 0.021 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (89 mg, 0.639 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux under a N₂ atmosphere overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic extract was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=10:1) to give the title compound (15 mg, 13%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt 3.80 min; m/z 456.1 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.9 (s, 1H), 8.14 (dd, J=7.0, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (dd, J=8.5, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 5.87 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

((L-Valyl)oxy)methyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate trifluoroacetate salt (152)

To a solution of (S)-((2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanoyl)oxy)methyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 133 (60 mg, 0.096 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added TFA (2 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the title compound (30 mg, 60%) as a yellow oil. LCMS-C: rt2.01 min; m/z 526.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.48 (br s, 3H), 8.17-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.48 (m, 5H), 6.26-6.11 (m, 2H), 6.12-5.95 (m, 2H), 4.12-4.02 (m, 1H), 2.20-2.09 (m, 1H), 0.94-0.91 (m, 6H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-7-cyanobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (153)

A mixture of ethyl 7-bromo-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 99 (50 mg, 0.099 mmol) and CuCN (44 mg, 0.495 mmol) in NMP (5 mL) was heated at 180° C. under N₂ for 16 h. The mixture was partitioned between water (15 mL) and EtOAc (15 mL), the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (15 mL×3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (3.3 mg, 7%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt 3.12 min; m/z 451.0 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.66-7.53 (m, 3H), 6.12 (s, 2H), 4.28 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.24 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 3H).

Isopropyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (154)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 34 (90 mg, 0.25 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added i-PrOH (151 mg, 2.52 mmol), EDCl·HCl (96 mg, 0.50 mmol) and DMAP (6 mg, 0.05 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water and 1 M aqueous HCl was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=10:1) to give the title compound (70 mg, 70%). LCMS-C: rt2.50 min; m/z 400.0 [M+H]⁺, 422.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.87 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.06 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 5.77 (s, 2H), 5.19-5.04 (m, 1H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 1.25 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H).

Cyclopentyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (155)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 34 (90 mg, 0.25 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added cyclopentanol (108.4 mg, 1.26 mmol), EDCl·HCl (96.5 mg, 0.50 mmol) and DMAP (6.2 mg, 0.05 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=10:1) followed by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (70 mg, 65%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 2.61 min; m/z 426.0 [M+H]⁺, 448.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.87 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 5.74 (s, 2H), 5.36-5.27 (m, 1H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 1.92-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.76-1.65 (m, 2H), 1.62-1.50 (m, 4H).

Benzyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (156)

To a mixture of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 34 (90 mg, 0.25 mmol) and benzyl alcohol (6 mL) was added conc. H₂SO₄ (2 drops) and the mixture was heated at 50° C. overnight. The mixture was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=10:1) followed by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (3.2 mg, 3%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 2.55 min; m/z 448.0 [M+H]⁺, 470.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.93-7.83 (m, 3H), 7.64 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 5.80 (s, 2H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 3.68 (s, 3H).

2-Morpholinoethyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (157)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 34 (90 mg, 0.25 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added 2-morpholinoethan-1-ol (99.1 mg, 0.76 mmol), EDCl·HCl (96.5 mg, 0.50 mmol) and DMAP (6 mg, 0.05 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=10:1) followed by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (5 mg, 4%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt 2.87 min; m/z 471.0 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.88 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 5.78 (s, 2H), 4.38 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.51-3.48 (m, 4H), 2.60 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.41-2.39 (m, 4H).

2-Methoxyethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (158)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (150 mg, 0.38 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added 2-methoxyethanol (87 mg, 1.14 mmol), EDCl·HCl (146 mg, 0.76 mmol) and DMAP (10 mg, 0.076 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. Water (150 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (3×150 mL), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (60 mg, 35%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.43 min; m/z 455.9 [M+H]⁺, 477.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J=7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.66-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 4.38-4.30 (m, 2H), 3.59-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.25 (s, 3H).

2-Acetamidoethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (159)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (150 mg, 0.38 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) was added N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acetamide (78 mg, 0.76 mmol), EDCl·HCl (146 mg, 0.76 mmol) and DMAP (10 mg, 0.076 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. Water (150 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (3×150 mL), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=1:0 to 100:1) to give the title compound (60 mg, 73%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.22 min; m/z 482.9 [M+H]⁺, 504.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J=7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.06-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.53 (m, 5H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 4.22 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.35 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 1.80 (s, 3H).

2-((Methoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (160)

(a) Methyl (2-hydroxyethyl)carbamate (I97)

To a solution of 2-aminoethanol (2.0 g, 32.7 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) at 0° C. was added K₂CO₃ (13.6 g, 98.2 mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 10 min. Methyl chloroformate (3.1 g, 32.7 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (3.0 g, 77%), which was used directly in the next step. LCMS-C: rt0.37 min; m/z 120.0 [M+H]⁺.

(b) 2-((Methoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (160)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (150 mg, 0.377 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added methyl (2-hydroxyethyl)carbamate 197 (135 mg, 1.131 mmol), EDCl·HCl (145 mg, 0.754 mmol) and DMAP (9.2 mg, 0.075 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=20:1) followed by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (8 mg, 4%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.35 min; m/z 498.9 [M+H]⁺, 520.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J=7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.67-7.54 (m, 5H), 7.36-7.27 (m, 1H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 4.22 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.51 (s, 3H), 3.28 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

2-((Methoxycarbonyl)(methyl)amino)ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (161)

(a) Methyl (2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)carbamate (I98)

To a solution of 2-(methylamino)ethanol (2.0 g, 26.6 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) at 0° C. was added K₂CO₃ (11.0 g, 80 mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 10 min. Methyl chloroformate (3.0 g, 32.0 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (3.0 g, 85%) which was used directly in the next step. LCMS-C: rt 1.24 min; m/z 134.0 [M+H]⁺.

(b) 2-((Methoxycarbonyl)(methyl)amino)ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (161)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (150 mg, 0.377 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added methyl (2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)carbamate 198 (150 mg, 1.13 mmol), EDCl·HCl (145 mg, 0.754 mmol) and DMAP (9.2 mg, 0.075 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=20:1) to give the title compound (80 mg, 41%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.38 min; m/z 512.9 [M+H]⁺, 534.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J=7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.66-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 4.33 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 3.52 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 2.87 (s, 3H).

3-Methoxypropyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (162)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (150 mg, 0.37 mmol) and 3-methoxypropan-1-ol (68 mg, 0.75 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added EDCl·HCl (144 mg, 0.75 mmol) and DMAP (9 mg, 0.07 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to give the title compound (53 mg, 30%). LCMS-C: rt 2.53 min; m/z 469.9 [M+H]⁺, 491.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.19-8.09 (m, 1H), 8.08-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.44 (m, 5H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 4.28-4.24 (m, 2H), 3.39-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.25 (s, 3H), 1.89-1.77 (m, 2H).

Methyl 4-((3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carbonyl)oxy)piperidine-1-carboxylate (163)

A mixture of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (100 mg, 0.25 mmol), methyl 4-hydroxypiperidine-1-carboxylate I84 (61 mg, 0.38 mmol), EDCl·HCl (96 mg, 0.50 mmol) and DMAP (24 mg, 0.05 mmol) in DMF (6 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured into water, extracted with EtOAc and the organic extract was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=5:1) to give the title compound (4.3 mg, 3%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt 2.48 min; m/z 538.9 [M+H]⁺, 560.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.12 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.55 (m, 5H), 6.14 (s, 2H), 5.11-5.01 (m, 1H), 3.60 (s, 3H), 3.54-3.45 (m, 2H), 3.42-3.36 (m, 2H), 1.88-1.77 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.47 (m, 2H).

1-Methylazetidin-3-yl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (164)

To a solution of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (100 mg, 0.25 mmol) and 1-methylazetidin-3-ol hydrochloride (47 mg, 0.38 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) was added EDCl·HCl (96 mg, 0.56 mmol) and DMAP (6 mg, 0.05 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=20:1) to give the title compound (10 mg, 9%) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt3.22 min; m/z 466.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J=7.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.69-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 5.09-5.01 (m, 1H), 3.67-3.61 (m, 2H), 3.00-2.96 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (165)

(a) Ethyl 4-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (I99)

To a solution of ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (20 g, 167 mmol) in THF (350 mL) was added LiHMDS (1.0 M solution in THF, 166 mL, 166 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 min. 1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxyphenyl)ethanone (7.0 g, 41.6 mmol) was then added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was diluted with water and 1 M aqueous HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to give the title compound (2.5 g, 22%) as a yellow solid. LCMS-C: rt2.65 min; m/z 251.0 [M+H]⁺.

(b) Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (165)

To a solution of ethyl 4-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate I99 (2.0 g, 7.99 mmol) in CCl₄ (50 mL) was added NBS (1.7 g, 9.59 mmol) and BPO (194 mg, 0.8 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux overnight. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to give a 1:1 inseparable mixture of a mono-bromo and di-bromo products assigned by NMR spectroscopy to be ethyl 7-bromo-4-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate and ethyl 7-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (2.2 g) as a yellow solid. LCMS-C: rt2.90 min; m/z 328.8 [M+H]⁺ and 406.8 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.76 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.93 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 4.39 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.32 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 2.88 (s, 3H), 1.36 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 3H), 1.32 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 3H).

To solution of the mixture of ethyl 7-bromo-4-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate and ethyl 7-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-4-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (152 mg) in DMF (10 mL) was added 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzamide 125 (80 mg, 0.462 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (301 mg, 0.924 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to give a white solid (120 mg). LCMS-C: rt2.55 min; m/z 521.8/523.8 [M+Na]⁺. This material was dissolved in EtOH/THF (10 mL/10 mL), 10% Pd/C (63 mg, wetted with ca. 55% water) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature under H₂ (20 KPa) overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (DCM/MeOH=20:1) to give the title compound (15 mg, 6% over three steps) as a white solid. LCMS-C: rt2.43 min; m/z 421.9 [M+H]⁺, 443.9 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 4.28 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

N-Benzyl-4-bromo-3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide (166)

To a solution of ethyl 4-bromo-3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 21 (100 mg, 0.23 mmol) in EtOH (2 mL) was added benzylamine (123 mg, 1.2 mmol) and Et₃N (70 mg, 0.69 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 150° C. under microwave irradiation for 30 min. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with DCM and the combined organic extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=15:1) followed by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (6 mg, 5%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt3.86 min; m/z 495.0/497.0 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.26 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.94-7.81 (m, 3H), 7.75 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.34-7.16 (m, 6H), 7.02 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 5.63 (s, 2H), 4.47 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 2H).

4-Bromo-3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-N-phenethylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide (167)

To a solution of ethyl 4-bromo-3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 21 (100 mg, 0.23 mmol) in EtOH (2 mL) was added 2-phenylethan-1-amine (140 mg, 1.15 mmol) and Et₃N (70 mg, 0.69 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 150° C. under microwave irradiation for 30 min. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with DCM and the combined organic extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=15:1) followed by prep-HPLC to give the title compound (8 mg, 7%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt3.95 min; m/z 509.0/511.0 [M+H]⁺, 531.0/533.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.74 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (dd, J=8.1, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.92-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.74 (dd, J=7.6, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.12 (m, 6H), 7.01 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 5.55 (s, 2H), 3.52-3.47 (m, 2H), 2.82 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-3-vinylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (168)

A mixture of ethyl 3-((3-bromo-4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate 65 (100 mg, 0.213 mmol), 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-vinyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (66 mg, 0.426 mmol), K₂CO₃ (89 mg, 0.639 mmol) and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (25 mg, 0.021 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (8 mL) was heated at reflux under N₂ overnight. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=10:1) to give the title compound (25 mg, 28%) as a white solid. LCMS-D: rt4.29 min; m/z 416.0 [M+H]⁺, 438.0 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (dd, J=7.0, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.41 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (dd, J=17.6, 11.1 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (dd, J=8.5, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 5.89 (s, 2H), 5.83 (d, J=17.7 Hz, 1H), 5.28 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H), 4.36 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

4-Bromo-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-7-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide (169)

A mixture of 4-bromo-3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-7-fluorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 117 (40 mg, 0.09 mmol), HATU (130 mg, 0.36 mmol) and DIPEA (34 mg, 0.27 mg) in NMP (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 0.5 h. A solution of conc. aqueous NH₄OH (3 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 16 h. The mixture was partitioned between water (15 mL) and EtOAc (15 mL), the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (15 mL×3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC (DCM/MeOH=20:1) to give the title compound (13.8 mg, 35%) as a white solid. LCMS-F: rt2.54 min; m/z 458.8/460.9 [M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J=8.5, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.53 (m, 3H), 7.39 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 5.99 (s, 2H).

Ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorothieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (170)

A suspension of 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxy-benzamide 125 (0.089 g, 0.51 mmol), ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-4-chloro-thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (0.17 g, 0.51 mmol) 188 and cesium carbonate (0.251 g, 0.771 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (8 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the mixture extracted with EtOAc (×3). The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by column chromatography (MeOH/EtOAc) to give the title compound (0.100 g, 46%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 9.06 (s, 1H), 8.58 (s, 1H), 7.42-7.30 (m, 2H), 6.20 (t, J=0.9 Hz, 2H), 4.39 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.96 (s, 1H), 2.88 (d, J=0.5 Hz, 1H), 1.38 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). LCMS-A: rt 6.040 min, m/z 427.1 [M+H]⁺.

Lithium 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorothieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (171)

To a solution of ethyl 3-[(4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluoro-phenoxy)methyl]-4-chloro-thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate 170 (0.0300 g, 0.0703 mmol) in THF/Water/MeOH (3:2:1, 15 mL) was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.0088 g, 0.21 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 19 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the lithium salt of the title compound (37 mg, quantitative yield) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d₄) δ 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.43 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.39 (m, 2H), 6.29 (s, 2H), CONH₂ protons not observed. LCMS-A: rt 6.784, m/z 399.1 [M+H]⁺ for the free acid.

3-((4-Carbamoyl-2-fluoro-6-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxythieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (172)

To a solution of ethyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2-fluoro-6-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxythieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate 121 (0.0080 g, 0.018 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (3 mL), methanol (1 mL) and water (2 mL) was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.0155 g, 0.368 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight before the solvent was removed in vacuo to give a white solid. The solid was taken up in water and acidified to pH 3 (citric acid), then extracted with EtOAc (×3). The organic layer was separated from the aqueous phase and the solvent removed in vacuo to give a white solid. The solid was purified by preparative RP-HPLC to give the title compound (0.60 mg, 8%) as a white solid. LCMS-B: rt 5.187 min, m/z=405.1 [M−H]⁻. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d₄) δ 8.06 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.79-7.73 (m, 1H), 7.64 (dd, J=12.4, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 6.05 (s, 2H), 4.33 (s, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), exchangeable CO₂H, CONH₂ and OH protons not observed.

(Pivaloyloxy)methyl 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (173)

A mixture of 3-((4-carbamoyl-2,6-difluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 69 (0.085 g, 0.21 mmol), sodium iodide (0.128 g, 0.855 mmol), cesium carbonate (60-80 mesh, 0.139 g, 0.427 mmol) and chloromethyl pivalate (0.12 mL, 0.85 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. Water (˜30 mL) was added and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine (3×30 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed in vacuo. The solid was taken up in a minimum amount of DCM and the product was precipitated by the addition of cyclohexane. The precipitate was isolated by vacuum filtration and air dried to give the title compound (0.079 g, 72%) as an off-white solid. LCMS-B rt 4.318 min; m/z 511.8 [M+H]⁺, 533.8 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.16 (dd, J=7.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.54 (m, 5H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 5.89 (s, 2H), 1.12 (s, 9H).

(Pivaloyloxy)methyl 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-5-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate (174)

A mixture of 3-((4-carbamoylphenoxy)methyl)-4-chloro-5-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid 18 (0.010 g, 0.027 mmol), chloromethyl pivalate (0.015 mL, 0.11 mmol), cesium carbonate (60-80 mesh, 0.017 g, 0.053 mmol) and sodium iodide (0.016 g, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 17 hours. Water (˜2 mL) was added and the precipitate was isolated by vacuum filtration to give the title compound (0.0040 g, 31%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.06 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.91-7.83 (m, 3H), 7.61 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.12-7.04 (m, 2H), 5.96 (s, 2H), 5.87 (s, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.12 (s, 9H). LCMS-B rt 3.625 min; m/z 489.9 [M+H]⁺, m/z 511.9 [M+Na]⁺.

Assays Protein Production and Purification

Biophysical experiments were performed with three different recombinant human STING protein variants designated according to allelic nomenclature of Yi et al., (2013). Codon optimized DNA sequences (for expression in Escherichia coli) encoding amino acid residues 149 to 345 (Swiss Prot Q86WV6) of human STING (WT), human STING (HAQ) and human STING (R232H) were synthesised by GenScript USA Inc (Piscataway, N.J., USA). These were ligated into a modified pET43a E. coli expression vector designed to encode N-terminal His tag followed by tobacco etch virus protease (TEV) cleavage site and a STING gene sequence. The resulting protein sequences for the three allelic variants are listed below:

His-TEV-hSTING(WT) (SEQ ID NO: 1) MGHHHHHHGTENLYFQGS E ¹⁴⁹KGNFNVAHGLAWSYYIGYLRLILPELQA RIRTYNQHYNNLLRGAVSQRLYILLPLDCGVPDNLSMADPNIRFLDKLP QQTGDRAGIKDRVYSNSIYELLENGQRAGTCVLEYATPLQTLFAMSQYS QAGFSREDRLEQAKLFCRTLEDILADAPESQNNCRLIAYQEPADDSSFS LSQEVLRHLRQEEKEEVTVGS ³⁴⁵. His-TEV-hSTING(R232H) (SEQ ID NO: 2) MGHHHHHHGTENLYFQGS E ¹⁴⁹KGNFNVAHGLAWSYYIGYLRLILPELQA RIRTYNQHYNNLLRGAVSQRLYILLPLDCGVPDNLSMADPNIRFLDKLP QQTGDHAGIKDRVYSNSIYELLENGQRAGTCVLEYATPLQTLFAMSQYS QAGFSREDRLEQAKLFCRTLEDILADAPESQNNCRLIAYQEPADDSSFS LSQEVLRHLRQEEKEEVTVGS ³⁴⁵. His-TEV-hSTING(HAQ) (SEQ ID NO: 3) MGHHHHHHGTENLYFQGSE ¹⁴⁹KGNFNVAHGLAWSYYIGYLRLILPELQA RIRTYNQHYNNLLRGAVSQRLYILLPLDCGVPDNLSMADPNIRFLDKLP QQTADRAGIKDRVYSNSIYELLENGQRAGTCVLEYATPLQTLFAMSQYS  QAGFSREDRLEQAKLFCQTLEDILADAPESQNNCRLIAYQEPADDSSFS LSQEVLRHLRQEEKEEVTVGS ³⁴⁵.

To produce recombinant human STING proteins, expression plasmid encoding above-described constructs were transformed into E. coli BL21 DE3 strain and grown with shaking at 37° C. in 2×1 L volumes of Terrific broth (TB) supplemented with 100 μg/ml Ampicillin until OD₆₀₀ of 0.8 was reached. Cultures were then cooled to 16° C. and protein expression induced by the addition of isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside to a final concentration of 0.5 mM and the cultures shaken overnight for further 16 hours. Following expression, cell cultures were centrifuged at 5000×g for 20 min and cell pellet stored frozen at −70° C.

Protein purification was initiated by thawing the cell pellet in Lysis buffer (25 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 300 mM NaCl, 5 mM DTT, 2 mM MgCl₂, 10 mM imidazole, 0.5 mg/ml lysozyme, benzonase endonuclease [EMD Millipore], 1 mM PMSF, complete protease inhibitor tablets EDTA-free [Roche]) using a ratio of 7 ml of buffer per 1 g of cells. Cells were further lysed by 3 passes through an ice cooled Avestin C5 cell crusher and then centrifuged at 48,000×g at 4° C. Supernatant (cell lysate) was filtered through a 5 μm filter and loaded onto 5 mL HiTrap IMAC Sepharose FF column (GE Healthcare) pre-equilibrated with IMAC wash buffer 1 (25 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 300 mM NaCl, 5 mM DTT, 10 mM imidazole) using Profinia Affinity chromatography purification system (Bio-Rad). The IMAC column was then sequentially washed with IMAC Wash buffer 1 and IMAC Wash buffer 2 (25 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 300 mM NaCl, 5 mM DTT, 20 mM Imidazole) and bound His-TEV-hSTING protein eluted with IMAC Elution buffer (250 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 300 mM NaCl, 5 mM DTT, 20 mM Imidazole). IMAC-eluted protein was further purified by passing through a HiLoad 26/60 Superdex 75 column pre-equilibrated in storage buffer (25 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM DTT 0.02% [w/v] sodium azide). Finally, hSTING protein was concentrated to 2 mg/ml using Amicon Ultra centrifugal filter unit (Utra-15 MWCO 10 kDa), flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in −70° C. freezer.

Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF)

Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is a rapid screening method for identifying low-molecular-weight ligands that bind and, in doing so, stabilize (or sometimes destabilize) purified proteins (Niesen 2007). DSF monitors thermal unfolding of protein in the presence of a fluorescent dye and is typically performed using a real-time PCR instrument. The temperature at which a protein unfolds is measured by an increase in the fluorescence of a dye with affinity for hydrophobic parts of the protein that are gradually exposed during unfolding. The fluorescence of the dye is quenched in aqueous environments, but when the dye associates with hydrophobic sites on the unfolded protein, its fluorescence increases. The fluorescence intensity is plotted as a function of the temperature, generating a sigmoidal curve that can be described by a two-state transition. The inflection point of the transition curve (T_(m)) is calculated using simple equations such as that of Boltzman.

Thermal stability of STING protein (with and without bound ligand) was measured using previously described methodology (Seabrook & Newman 2013), with each experiment performed in triplicate using 96-well PCR microplates (AB Gene, ABGAB-0600/W). In a final volume of 20 μL, 1 μM protein in 1×HBS buffer (50 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) was mixed with SYPRO Orange dye (Sigma-Aldrich S5692, final reaction mix dilution 1:1200) and a compound (final concentration at 100 μM). Sealed plates were then placed into a Bio-Rad CFX96/C1000 thermocycler and FRET scanning mode (λ^(excitation) of 490 nm and reads at a λ^(emission) of 570 nm) was used to measure fluorescence intensity. Melting curves were recorded from 20° C. to 100° C. in 0.5° C. increments every 30 seconds with a read at each increment. Data were analysed using “Meltdown analysis” protocol described by Rosa 2015. The melting point (T_(m)) obtained for STING protein alone was subtracted from T_(m) obtained for protein incubated with ligand to generate ΔT_(m) values listed in the table below. DSF data was generated for each compound against 3 different STING protein variants -human STING (WT), human STING (HAQ) and human STING (R232H).

DSF huSTING DSF huSTING DSF huSTING (HAQ) (WT) (R232H) Example ΔTm (° C.) ΔTm (° C.) ΔTm (° C.)  1 7.78 0.99 0.88  2 1.44  3 −0.47  4 0.13  5 −0.48 0.07  6 3.33 −1.15 −1.09  7 0.26  8 13.96 6 3.16  9 0.71 0.51 0.99 10 1.7 −2.34 −2.78 11 0.29 0.13 −0.57 12 9 3.29 −0.74 13 −0.15 −0.59 −0.46 14 0.09 −4.26 −4.88 16 10.12 3.49 2.82 18 6.29 −0.6 −1.89 20 5.83 −2.76 −2.03 22 17.08 7.61 6.33 24 0.6 −0.35 3.09 26 10.82 3.79 2.39 28 6.93 1.19 0.86 30 5.4 −0.32 0.01 32 7.23 0.63 0.56 34 10.07 3.76 1.94 36 12.31 5.96 5.79 38 6.02 −1.4 −3.47 40 9.91 3.66 −1.44 42 2.83 −0.64 −0.86 44 7.64 1.3 −1.24 46 7.26 1.77 −0.49 48 1.92 −4.63 −3.78 50 5.11 0.02 −2.74 52 −1.22 −2.15 −2.65 54 2.56 −1.28 −2.45 55 −1.03 56 4.48 −1.29 −1.75 57 10.74 3.43 1.27 58 0.43 59 7.31 0.54 −1.44 61 14.62 5.68 5.68 63 8.07 1.88 1.92 64 6.79 2.73 −0.59 67 11.14 3.04 −1.08 69 22.08 9.49 4.02 71 12.18 5.11 0.44 73 1.79 −1.03 −1.09 74 −0.31 −4.22 −4.25 76 2.43 −2.72 1.37 78 16 6.62 4.37 80 14.94 6.69 −0.9 82 9.29 3.15 −0.22 84 6.48 0.18 −1.24 86 10.1 3.33 −1.42 87 0.54 88 0.97 −1.07 −0.25

Compounds where R¹ is not H are not expected to show activity in these assays.

These additional compounds were tested as described above, however the protein concentration was 2 μM.

DSF huSTING DSF huSTING DSF huSTING (HAQ) (WT) (R232H) Example ΔTm (° C.) ΔTm (° C.) ΔTm (° C.)  90 26.56 12.18 5.32  93 30.34 17.91 8.35  95 8.16 1.63 −3.15  96 11.94 6.65 0.91  98 2.99 −1.42 −2.12 100 33.77 22.44 9.02 101 23.87 11.75 4.05 103 8.96 3.27 −0.17 104 6.94 2.46 −0.74 105 19.53 8.25 1.32 106 18.29 6.69 0.95 107 20.94 9.88 3.76 109 8.60 3.69 1.30 111 21.46 10.88 2.26 112 2.78 1.25 1.05 113 5.60 2.38 2.50 114 14.57 5.87 4.72 117 33.98 22.76 9.76 118 23.14 10.54 6.21 127 −2.52 −2.44 −3.55 136 17.97 5.53 −0.53 143 −2.10 −1.93 −2.44 148 −0.36 −0.37 −0.51 158 −1.58 −1.90 −2.57 159 −1.50 −1.02 −1.45 160 −0.84 −1.05 −1.57 161 −1.70 −1.76 −2.67 162 −1.45 −1.01 166 −3.01 −2.44 167 0.71 2.51 −0.03 169 1.67 1.69 0.37 171 9.33 3.92 0.25 172 0.56 −6.71 −6.07

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)

Binding interactions of ligands with STING proteins were quantified using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) with a minimally biotinylated STING protein immobilized on Streptavidin chip surface. In this manner highly active STING protein surfaces were obtained that were not compromised by a low pH required for amine coupling methods. Minimal biotinylation of purified huSTING protein was performed using a previously described methodology (Chabbra 2012). Briefly, approximately 20 nmol of recombinant STING protein in 1×TBS buffer (25 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM OTT) was mixed with of EZ-LinkH Sulfo-NHS-LC-LC-Biotin (Thermofisher Scientific, cat #21338) at a molar ratio of 1 to 0.6 and then incubated on ice for 2 hours. To remove any unreacted biotin reagent, protein/biotin mixture was passed through a Superdex 75 (10/300 GL) column equilibrated with 10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM DTT, 5% (v/v) glycerol. A protein peak containing biotinylated huSTING protein was collected and stored in aliquots at −80° C.

Streptavidin was simultaneously immobilized in all four channels of a CM5 sensor chip docked in a Biacore instrument (either Biacore S200 or Biacore T200, GE Healthcare) as described previously (Zender 2013). Minimally biotinylated STING protein was captured onto Streptavidin coated chip surface at 25° C. in SPR binding buffer (50 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM TCEP, 2% (v/v) DMSO) gradually injected in a single channel at a constant flow-rate of 2 μL/min until SPR response increases were no longer observed resulting in typical capture levels of 5000 to 7000 RU (1 RU=1 pg/mm²).

To determine binding affinity, compound interaction with immobilized STING protein was analysed using dose-response experiments. All binding experiments were performed at 25° C. in SPR binding buffer. Fresh 10 mM DMSO solutions of compound were diluted directly into SPR binding buffer to a final concentration of 10 μM and then further diluted either 2-fold or 3-fold aiming for either a 5- or 7-point concentration series range. Each ligand concentration series was injected at a constant flow rate of 60 μL/min with a 90 second association and a 180 second dissociation time.

Scrubber 2 (www.biologic.com.au) was utilized for data processing and analysis. Thus, SPR signals were referenced against the blank surface (streptavidin+D-biotin) and further corrected for DMSO refractive index change and then “double-referenced” using a buffer-blank injection (Papalia 2006). To determine binding affinities (K_(D) values) from dose-response experiments, binding responses at equilibrium were fit to either a 1:1 steady state affinity or to 1:1 binding kinetic models (both available within Scrubber software).

SPR (HAQ) Example K_(D) (μM)  1 32  3 3500  6 90  8 1.055 10 187 12 5.95 14 120 16 2.195 18 15.9 20 34 22 0.755 24 >10000 26 1.605 28 10.9 30 22.1 32 7.75 34 2.475 36 1.335 38 16.4 40 2.8 42 80.5 44 7.95 46 9.7 48 16.265 50 20.9 52 260 54 51 55 3700 56 29 57 9.05 58 >10000 59 15.19 61 0.83 63 9.15 64 6.2 69 0.0886 71 2.12 73 67 87 3000 88 532.67

Binding experiments were also performed at 8° C. in SPR binding buffer (“SPR (HAQ) 8° C. K_(D) (μM)”; “SPR (WT) 8° C. K_(D) (μM)”; “SPR (R232H) 8° C. K_(D) (μM)”). Fresh 10 mM DMSO solutions of compound were diluted directly into SPR binding buffer typically to a concentration of 50 μM and then further diluted 2-fold or 3-fold aiming for either a 5- or 7-point concentration series range. Each ligand concentration series was injected at a constant flow rate of 60 μL/min with a 90 second association and a 180 second dissociation time. These were modified for compounds with longer residence times, so that curves could reach steady-state, or so that compound would be fully dissociated before the subsequent injection. Where appropriate, tighter-binding compounds (roughly K_(D)<1 uM) were tested using a single-cycle kinetics format (Karlsson 2006), with long association and dissociation times (typically 450 s and 1800 s, respectively).

Scrubber 2 (www.biologic.com.au) was utilized for data processing, where signals were referenced against the blank surface (streptavidin+D-biotin) and further corrected for DMSO refractive index change and then “double-referenced” using a buffer-blank injection (Papalia 2006). To determine binding affinities (50% occupancy as a surrogate K_(D) for the two binding events occurring) from dose-response experiments, binding responses at equilibrium were fit to a Hill equation, where the Hill coefficient was floated (≤2). For single-cycle kinetic experiments, sensorgrams were fit to a two-step kinetic model in which two analyte molecules bind sequentially (Biacore T200 or S200 Evaluation Software).

SPR huSTING SPR huSTING SPR huSTING (HAQ) K_(D) (WT) K_(D) (R232H) K_(D) Example at 8° C. (μM) at 8° C. (μM) at 8° C. (μM)  90 0.213 3.0 31  93 0.106 0.900 13.7  95 14.3 93  96 1.85 22  98 28.0 72 100 0.110 0.620 22.8 101 0.390 3.70 69 103 5.80 65 104 5.50 38 105 1.40 28 106 1.30 28 107 0.500 21 109 160 200 112 26 51 113 52 114 2.74 26 117 0.200 0.450 20.8 118 0.150 4.24 136 0.870 7.1 169 130 >1000 171 4.87 172 220

THP-1 Reporter Cell Line Assays

THP-1 STING Lucia ISG cells (Invivogen #thpl-isg) were cultured in RPMI-1640 containing 2 mM L-glutamine, 25 mM HEPES, 100 μg/mL Normocin and 10% HI-FBS. At a density of 7×10⁵ cells/mL, cells were seeded into a T175 flask and incubated at 37° C./5% CO₂, and passaged every three (3) days (all media and supplements from Life Technologies). Selection pressure was maintained by the addition of 100 μg/mL Zeocin every second passage.

Assay conditions: cells were harvested and resuspended at a concentration 5×10⁵ cells/mL in fresh growth media. To sterile 384-Culturplates (Perkin Elmer #6007688) was dispensed 20 μL of this cell preparation at a density of 1×10⁴ cells/well and the plates were incubated at 37° C./5% CO₂ for 1 h whilst the compound plate was being prepared.

11 pt Concentration Response Curves (CRCs) of compounds (10 mM stocks) were prepared by serial dilution in DMSO as follows: 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.63, 0.31, 0.15, 0.08, 0.04, 0.02, 0.01 mM. Compounds were then diluted 1/40 in growth media by transferring 1.25 μL of each concentration into 48.75 μL growth media (working dose range: 250, 125, 62.5, 31.3, 15.63, 7.81, 3.9, 1.95, 0.98, 0.49, 0.24 μM). The addition of 5 μL of these compound stocks to the Culturplates containing 20 μL of cell suspension resulted in a further 1/5 dilution (final dose range: 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.13, 1.56, 0.78, 0.39, 0.20, 0.10, 0.05 μM) (0.5% DMSO final concentration). The plates were incubated for 24 h at 37° C./5% CO₂.

Following 24 h incubation, 10 μL of QUANTI-Luc (Invivogen #rep-qlc1) was added to the Culturplates. QUANTI-Luc is a coelenterazine-based substrate prepared in sterile reverse osmosis (RO) water and added directly to the cells. Plates were shaken for ten seconds on an orbital shaker and left in the dark at room temperature for two minutes, before being read on the EnSpire multimode reader (STING Luminescence protocol) (Perkin Elmer).

Data analysis: presented as % activity of a 50 μM Aduro CDN (2′3′-cG^(s)A^(s)MP) positive control (HIGH) using 0.5% DMSO only wells as background controls (LOW).

Aduro CDN (2′3′-cG^(s)A^(s)MP) is also known as ML RR-S2 CDA, which has the structure:

The following formula was used:

% activity=(unknown−LOW)/(HIGH−LOW)

An identical method was used for the preparing and testing compounds against the THP-1-Dual KI-hSTING-R232 cells (Invivogen #thpd-r232) for assessing compound activity against the more prevalent human STING isoform, WT.

“Cellular EC50 huSTING (HAQ) (μM)” data refers to assays performed with THP-1 STING Lucia ISG cells and “Cellular EC50 huSTING (WT) (μM)” refers to assays performed with THP-1-Dual KI-hSTING-R232 cells.

Cellular EC₅₀ Cellular EC₅₀ huSTING huSTING Example (HAQ) (μM) (WT) (μM)  1 >50 >50  2 2.07 >50  3 2.943 >50  4 2.581 >50  5 8.219 >50  6 >50 >50  7 0.7049 8.936  8 >50 >50  9 >50 >50 10 >50 >50 11 16.16 25.6 12 >50 >50 13 >50 >50 14 >50 >50 15 2.399 2.568 16 >50 >50 17 14.75 >50 18 >50 >50 19 >50 >50 20 >50 >50 21 0.4741 0.5763 22 >50 41.03 23 7.611 16.87 24 >50 >50 25 1.598 1.417 26 >50 >50 27 >50 >50 28 >50 >50 29 2.685 6.499 30 36.28 >50 31 6.765 6.913 32 >50 >50 33 0.6654 0.8908 34 >50 >50 35 0.6553 1.283 36 >50 >50 37 3.844 4.766 38 >50 >50 39 1.484 1.783 40 >50 39.68 41 0.7976 2.458 43 1.352 3.775 45 12.88 24.67 46 >50 >50 47 18.67 >50 48 >50 >50 49 17.17 24.1 50 >50 >50 51 >50 >50 52 >50 >50 53 >50 >50 54 >50 >50 55 3.597 >50 56 >50 >50 57 >50 >50 58 9.194 27.72 59 >50 >50 60 0.8271 47.35 61 39.57 >50 62 0.9502 1.649 64 >50 >50 65 22.19 >50 66 8.029 >50 67 >50 >50 68 0.2597 1.627 69 16.5 42.7 71 21.37 40.37 72 7.441 >50 74 1.048 2.471 75 17.92 >50 76 2.683 0.2172 77 0.7021 3.219 78 >50 >50 79 0.1705 0.4739 80 38.57 >50 81 2.793 20.71 82 >50 >50 83 2.611 >50 84 >50 >50 85 1.634 >50 86 >50 >50 87 >50 >50 88 >50 >50

The below data was collected using the same methodology as above, with the following modifications:

-   -   (a) Compound concentration range was adjusted to ensure full         curve definition resulting in final top concentration of 40 μM         and ten (10) dilutions of 2-fold or 2.5-fold.     -   (b) Stock solutions of compounds in DMSO were dispensed from         sample plates using a pin tool directly to previously adhered         cells to achieve above-mentioned concentrations.     -   (c) Luminescence readouts measured on PerkinElmer EnVision plate         readers.

Cellular EC50 Cellular EC50 huSTING huSTING Example (HAQ) (μM) (WT) (μM)  89 0.016 0.148  90 4.34 12.55  91 0.270 0.862  92 0.050 0.163  93 2.05 6.36  94 0.390 1.69  95 >40 >40  96 21.64 >40  97 1.43 9.72  98 21.06 >40  99 0.022 0.135 100 1.23 5.32 101 3.93 >40 102 0.053 0.377 103 13.58 >40 104 >40 >40 105 18.30 >40 106 14.42 14.24 107 14.14 27.90 108 0.344 0.341 109 >40 >40 110 0.013 0.052 111 16.18 17.21 112 >40 >40 113 >40 >40 114 15.27 >40 115 0.635 1.51 116 0.024 0.076 117 2.26 4.89 118 9.80 31.94 121 0.059 0.580 122 0.036 0.156 123 0.049 0.335 124 0.278 1.43 125 0.086 0.529 126 0.039 0.187 127 0.026 0.229 128 0.068 0.210 129 0.119 1.58 130 0.060 0.687 131 0.044 0.057 132 0.097 0.916 133 0.120 0.806 134 0.042 0.217 135 0.064 0.334 136 0.068 0.497 137 0.021 0.226 138 0.014 0.242 139 0.036 0.291 140 0.046 0.160 141 1.77 3.34 142 0.181 3.12 143 0.018 0.381 144 0.023 0.925 145 0.746 3.84 146 0.041 2.15 147 0.065 1.62 148 4.07 >40 149 0.613 0.797 150 0.550 0.489 151 1.82 3.46 152 0.967 53.69 153 0.129 0.207 154 0.448 2.05 155 0.230 3.82 156 0.628 4.51 157 0.373 2.03 158 0.132 0.949 159 0.044 0.325 160 0.035 0.298 161 0.062 0.669 162 0.041 0.302 163 0.062 1.556 164 0.027 0.249 165 0.127 6.15 166 9.95 28.88 167 23.19 25.59 168 7.44 >40 169 0.216 0.596 170 0.189 0.450 171 >40 >40 172 >40 >40 173 0.055 0.208 174 4.72 25.61

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

1. A compound of formula I:

wherein:

W is O or NH;

R¹ is selected from:

-   -   (i) H;     -   (ii) C₃₋₆cycloalkyl;     -   (iii) C₃₋₇heterocyclyl optionally substituted with a group         selected from:         -   methyl; and         -   ester; and     -   (iv) linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted with a         group selected from:         -   alkoxy;         -   amino;         -   amido;         -   acylamido;         -   acyloxy;         -   alkyl carboxyl ester;         -   alkyl carbamoyl;         -   alkyl carbamoyl ester;         -   phenyl;         -   phosphonate ester;         -   C₃₋₇heterocyclyl optionally substituted with a group             selected from methyl and oxo; and         -   a naturally occurring amino acid, optionally N-substituted             with a group selected from methyl, acetyl and boc;     -   A¹ is CR^(A) or N;     -   A² is CR^(B) or N;     -   A³ is CR^(C) or N;     -   A⁴ is CR^(D) or N;         where no more than two of A¹, A², A³, and A⁴ may be N;         one or two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C), and R^(D), (if present) are         selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe,         OEt, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe and OH;         the remainder of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C), and R^(D), (if present)         are H;

Y is O, NH or CH₂;

R^(Y) is selected from:

-   -   (a)     -   wherein:

-   -   -   Z¹ is CR^(Z1) or N;         -   Z² is CR^(Z2) or N;         -   Z⁴ is CR^(Z4) or N;         -   Z⁵ is CR^(Z5) or N;             where no more than two of Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ may be N;             one or two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if             present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano,             CF₃, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe, C₂₋₄alkenyl, and C₅heterocyclyl;             the remainder of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if             present) are H;

    -   (b)

where R¹² is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, OMe, cyano and CF₃; with the proviso that when A¹ is CF; A², A³ and A⁴ are CH; Y is O or NH; R^(Y) is RYA, where Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ are CH; R¹ is not Et; and when A¹ is CF; A², A³ and A⁴ are CH; Y is NH; R^(Y) is RYA, where Z¹ and Z⁵ are CH, one of Z² and Z⁴ is CF, and the other of Z² and Z⁴ is CH; R¹ is not Et. 2. A compound according to statement 1, wherein W is O. 3. A compound according to statement 1, wherein W is NH. 4. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 3, wherein R¹ is H. 5. A compound according to statement 1, wherein R¹ is selected from C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₇heterocyclyl, and optionally substituted linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl. 6. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 3 and statement 5, wherein R¹ is C₃₋₆cycloalkyl. 7. A compound according to statement 6, wherein R¹ is cyclopropyl. 8. A compound according to statement 6, wherein R¹ is cyclobutyl. 9. A compound according to statement 6, wherein R¹ is cyclopentyl. 10. A compound according to statement 6, wherein R¹ is cyclohexyl. 11. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 3 and statement 5, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted C₃₋₇heterocyclyl. 12. A compound according to statement 11, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted C₃₋₇cycloalkyl containing a single nitrogen ring atom. 13. A compound according to statement 12, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted azetidinyl. 14. A compound according to statement 12, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted pyrrolidinyl. 15. A compound according to statement 12, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted piperidinyl. 16. A compound according to any of statements 11 to 15, wherein R¹ is substituted with methyl. 17. A compound according to any of statements 11 to 15, wherein R¹ is substituted with ester. 18. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 3 and statement 5, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted linear or branched C₁₋₄alkyl. 19. A compound according to statement 18, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted methyl. 20. A compound according to statement 18, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted ethyl. 21. A compound according to statement 18, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted propyl. 22. A compound according to statement 18, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted butyl. 23. A compound according to statement 18, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted iso-propyl. 24. A compound according to statement 18, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted sec-butyl. 25. A compound according to statement 18, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted iso-butyl. 26. A compound according to statement 18, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted tert-butyl. 27. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with alkoxy. 28. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with amino. 29. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with amido. 30. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with acylamido. 31. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with acyloxy. 32. A compound according to statement 31, wherein R¹ is pivaloyloxymethyl. 33. A compound according to statement 31, wherein R¹ is propanoyloxyisobutyl. 34. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with alkyl carboxyl ester. 35. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with alkyl carbamoyl. 36. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with alkyl carbamoyl ester. 37. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with phenyl. 38. A compound according to statement 37, wherein R¹ is benzyl. 39. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with phosphonate ester. 40. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with C₃₋₇heterocyclyl. 41. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with C₃₋₇heterocyclyl substituted with methyl. 42. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with C₃₋₇heterocyclyl substituted with oxo. 43. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid. 44. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid N-substituted with methyl. 45. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid N-substituted with acetyl. 46. A compound according to any of statements 18 to 26, wherein R¹ is substituted with a naturally occurring amino acid N-substituted with boc. 47. A compound according to any of statements 43 to 46, wherein the naturally occurring amino acid is valine. 48. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A¹ is CR^(A). 49. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A¹ is N. 50. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A² is CR^(B). 51. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A² is N. 52. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A³ is CR^(C). 53. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A³ is N. 54. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A⁴ is CR^(D). 55. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A⁴ is N. 56. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein A¹ is CR^(A), A² is CR^(B), A³ is CR^(C), and A⁴ is CR^(D). 57. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein one of A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are N. 58. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein two of A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are N. 59. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein the compound is of formula IIIb:

60. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein the compound is of formula IIIc:

61. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein the compound is of formula IIId:

62. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 47, wherein the compound is of formula IIIe:

63. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 62, wherein two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano and OMe, the remainder (if present) are H. 64. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 62, wherein two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃ and cyclopropyl, the remainder (if present) are H. 65. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 62, wherein two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C) and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me and CF₃, the remainder (if present) are H. 66. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 62, wherein:

-   -   R^(A) (if present) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃,         cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, OEt and CH₂OMe;     -   R^(B) (if present) is H;     -   R^(C) (if present) is H;     -   R^(D) (if present) is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃,         cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, CH₂OH and CH₂OMe.         67. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 62, wherein:     -   R^(A) (if present) is selected from Cl and Br;     -   R^(B) (if present) is H;     -   R^(C) (if present) is H;     -   R^(D) (if present) is selected from H, Me, F, Br, OMe.         68. A compound according to statement 56, wherein:     -   R^(A) is Cl     -   R^(B) is H;     -   R^(C) is H;     -   R^(D) is H.         69. A compound according to statement 56, wherein:     -   R^(A) is Cl     -   R^(B) is H;     -   R^(C) is H;     -   R^(D) is Me.         70. A compound according to statement 56, wherein:     -   R^(A) is Cl     -   R^(B) is H;     -   R^(C) is H;     -   R^(D) is Br.         71. A compound according to statement 56, wherein:     -   R^(A) is Br;     -   R^(B) is H;     -   R^(C) is H;     -   R^(D) is H.         72. A compound according to statement 56, wherein:     -   R^(A) is C;     -   R^(B) is H;     -   R^(C) is H;     -   R^(D) is F.         73. A compound according to statement 56, wherein:     -   R^(A) is C;     -   R^(B) is H;     -   R^(C) is H;     -   R^(D) is OMe.         74. A compound according to statement 56, wherein:     -   R^(A) is Br;     -   R^(B) is H;     -   R^(C) is H;     -   R^(D) is F.         75. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 74, wherein Y         is selected from O and CH₂.         76. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 75, wherein Y         is O.         77. A compound according to any of statements 1 to 76, wherein         R^(Y) is RYA.         78. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z¹ is CR^(Z1).         79. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z¹ is N.         80. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z² is CR^(Z2).         81. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z² is N.         82. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z⁴ is CR^(Z4).         83. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z⁴ is N.         84. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z⁵ is CR^(Z5).         85. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z⁵ is N.         86. A compound according to statement 77, wherein Z¹ is CR^(Z1),         Z² is CR^(Z2), Z⁴ is CR^(Z4) and Z⁵ is CR^(Z5).         87. A compound according to statement 77, wherein one of Z¹, Z²,         Z⁴ and Z⁵ is N.         88. A compound according to statement 77, wherein two of Z¹, Z²,         Z⁴ and Z⁵ are N.         89. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 88, wherein         two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are         selected from H, F, Cl, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OMe, CH₂OH,         C₂₋₄alkenyl and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl;     -   the remainder (if present) are H.         90. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 89, wherein         two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are         selected from H, F, Cl, OMe, CF₃, CH₂OMe and CH₂OH;     -   the remainder (if present) are H.         91. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 90, wherein         two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are         selected from H, F, CF₃, CH₂OMe and CH₂OH;     -   the remainder (if present) are H.         92. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 91, wherein         two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are         selected from H, F, and CH₂OH;     -   the remainder (if present) are H.         93. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 92, wherein         one of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are         selected from H, F, Cl, Me, OMe, CF₃, CH₂OMe, CH₂OH, C₂₋₄alkenyl         and C₃₋₇heterocyclyl;     -   the remainder (if present) are H.         94. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 93, wherein         one of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are         selected from H, F, Cl, OMe, CF₃, CH₂OMe and CH₂OH;     -   the remainder (if present) are H.         95. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 94, wherein         one of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are         selected from H, F, CF₃, CH₂OMe and CH₂OH;     -   the remainder (if present) are H.         96. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 95, wherein         one of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are         selected from H, F, and CH₂OH;     -   the remainder (if present) are H.         97. A compound according to any of statements 77 to 96, wherein:     -   R^(Z1) (if present) is selected from H, F, and CH₂OH;     -   R^(Z2) (if present) is H;     -   R^(Z4) (if present) is H;     -   R^(Z)S (if present) is selected from H, F, and CH₂OH.         98. A compound according to statement 86, wherein:     -   R^(Z1) is H;     -   R^(Z2) is selected from H, OMe, C₂₋₄alkenyl, CH₂OMe and         C₅heterocyclyl;     -   R^(Z4) is selected from H, OMe, C₂₋₄alkenyl, CH₂OMe and         C₅heterocyclyl;     -   R^(Z5) is H;     -   wherein one of R^(Z2) and R^(Z4) is H.         99. A compound according to statement 86, wherein:     -   R^(Z1) is F;     -   R^(Z2) is H;     -   R^(Z4) is H;     -   R^(Z5) is F.         100. A compound according to statement 86, wherein:     -   R^(Z1) is CH₂OH;     -   R^(Z2) is H;     -   R^(Z4) is H;     -   R^(Z5) is F.         101. A compound according to statement 86, wherein R^(Z1) is H,         R^(Z2) is H, R^(Z4) is H and R^(Z5) is H.         102. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 76,         wherein R^(Y) is RYB.         103. A compound according to statement 102, wherein R¹² is         selected from H and F.         104. A compound according to statement 103, wherein R¹² is H.         105. A compound according to statement 103, wherein R¹² is F.         106. A compound as defined in any one of statements 1 to 105,         including the compounds of the provisos, for use in a method of         therapy.         107. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as         defined in any one of statements 1 to 105, including the         compounds of the provisos, and a pharmaceutically acceptable         excipient.         108. A method of treatment or prevention of a disease         ameliorated by the modulation of STING, comprising administering         to a patient in need of treatment, a compound as defined in any         one of statements 1 to 105, including the compounds of the         provisos, or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement         107.         109. The use of a compound as defined in any one of statements 1         to 105, including the compounds of the provisos, in the         manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing disease         ameliorated by the modulation of STING.         110. A compound as defined in any one of statements 1 to 105,         including the compounds of the provisos, or pharmaceutical         composition thereof for use in the treatment or preventing of         disease ameliorated by the modulation of STING.

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1-23. (canceled)
 24. A method of treatment of a disease, disorder and/or condition selected from cancer, an autoimmune disease, inflammation, cellular proliferation, a neurodegenerative disease and an infectious disease, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula I:

wherein: W is O or NH; R¹ is selected from: (i) H; (ii) C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl; (iii) 3-7 membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted with a group selected from: methyl; and C(═O)OR, wherein R is selected from a C₁₋₄ alkyl group, a 3-7 membered heterocyclyl, or a phenyl group; and (iv) linear or branched C₁₋₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a group selected from: alkoxy; amino; C(═O)N(R″)R′ wherein R′ and R″ are independently selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl; —N(R″)C(═O)R′ wherein R′ and R″ are independently selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl; OC(═O)R, wherein R is selected from a C₁₋₄alkyl group, a 3-7 membered heterocyclyl, and a phenyl group; OC(═O)O—C₁₋₄ alkyl; —NHC(═O)O—C₁₋₄ alkyl; OC(═O)NR′R″ wherein R′ and R″ are independently selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl; phenyl; P(O)(OC₁₋₄alkyl)₂; 3-7 membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted with a group selected from methyl and oxo; and a naturally occurring amino acid, optionally N-substituted with a group selected from methyl, —C(O)—CH₃ and boc; A¹ is CR^(A) or N; A² is CR^(B) or N; A³ is CR^(C) or N; A⁴ is CR^(D) or N; where no more than two of A¹, A², A³, and A⁴ may be N; one or two of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C), and R^(D), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, CF₃, cyclopropyl, cyano, OMe, OEt, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe and OH; the remainder of R^(A), R^(B), R^(C), and R^(D), (if present) are H; Y is O, NH or CH₂; R^(Y) is selected from: (a)

wherein: Z¹ is CR^(Z1) or N; Z² is CR^(Z2) or N; Z⁴ is CR^(Z4) or N; Z⁵ is CR^(Z5) or N; where no more than two of Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ may be N; one or two of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are selected from H, F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, cyano, CF₃, CH₂OH, CH₂OMe, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, and 5-membered heterocyclyl; the remainder of R^(Z1), R^(Z2), R^(Z4) and R^(Z5), (if present) are H; (b)

where R¹² is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, OMe, cyano and CF₃; wherein each heterocyclyl comprises 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from N and O; with the proviso that when A¹ is CF; A², A³ and A⁴ are CH; Y is O or NH; R^(Y) is RYA, where Z¹, Z², Z⁴ and Z⁵ are CH; R¹ is not Et; and when A¹ is CF; A², A³ and A⁴ are CH; Y is NH; R^(Y) is RYA, where Z¹ and Z⁵ are CH, one of Z² and Z⁴ is CF, and the other of Z² and Z⁴ is CH; R¹ is not Et.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein: the cancer is selected from cancers of the lung, bone, pancreas, skin, head, neck, uterus, ovaries, stomach, colon, breast, esophagus, small intestine, bowel, endocrine system, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, urethra, prostate, penis, testes, ureter, bladder, kidney or liver; rectal cancer; cancer of the anal region; carcinomas of the fallopian tubes, endometrium, cervix, vagina, vulva, renal pelvis, renal cell; sarcoma of soft tissue; myxoma; rhabdomyoma; fibroma; lipoma; teratoma; cholangiocarcinoma; hepatoblastoma; angiosarcoma; hemangioma; hepatoma; fibrosarcoma; chondrosarcoma; myeloma; chronic or acute leukemia; lymphocytic lymphomas; primary CNS lymphoma; neoplasms of the CNS; spinal axis tumors; squamous cell carcinomas; synovial sarcoma; malignant pleural mesotheliomas; brain stem glioma; pituitary adenoma; bronchial adenoma; chondromatous hamartoma; mesothelioma; Hodgkin's Disease or a combination of one or more of the foregoing cancers; the autoimmune disease is selected from STING associated vasculitis with onset at infancy (SAVI), Aicardi Goutieres syndrome (AGS), chilblain lupus, ataxia telanogiectasia (also referred to as Louis-Bar Syndrome), retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy (RCVL), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cutaneous lupus, lupus nephritis, psoriasis, diabetes mellitus including insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), dermatomyositis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS, polymyositis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), and Sjogren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, polyarthritis, myasthenia gravis, polyarteritis nodosa, vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopi polyangiitis, Behcet's disease, spondylitis, giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatic, Raynaud's phenomenon, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary angiitis of the central nervous system microscopic polyangiitis, neuromyelitis optica and mixed connective tissue disease; the inflammatory disease is selected from musculoskeletal inflammation, vascular inflammation, neural inflammation, digestive system inflammation, ocular inflammation, inflammation of the reproductive system, autoimmune conditions having an inflammatory component. Such conditions include acute disseminated alopecia universalise, Behcet's disease, Chagas' disease, STING associated vasculitis with onset at infancy (SAVI), Aicardi Goutieres syndrome (AGS), chilblain lupus, ataxia telangiectasia (also referred to as Louis-Bar Syndrome), retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy (RCVL), ANCA)-associated vasculitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, dysautonomia, encephalomyelitis, ankylosing spondylitis, aplastic anemia, hidradenitis suppurativa, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune oophoritis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, diabetes mellitus type 1, giant cell arteritis, goodpasture's syndrome, Grave's disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hashimoto's disease, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, Kawasaki's disease, lupus erythematosus, microscopic colitis, microscopic polyarteritis, mixed connective tissue disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome, optic neuritis, ord's thyroiditis, pemphigus, polyarteritis nodosa, polymyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, temporal arteritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, interstitial cystitis, lyme disease, morphea, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, ulcerative colitis, and vitiligo, contact hypersensitivity, contact dermatitis (including that due to poison ivy), uticaria, skin allergies, respiratory allergies (hayfever, allergic rhinitis) and gluten-sensitive enteropathy (Celiac disease), appendicitis, dermatitis, dermatomyositis, endocarditis, fibrositis, gingivitis, glossitis, hepatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, iritis, laryngitis, mastitis, myocarditis, nephritis, otitis, pancreatitis, parotitis, percarditis, peritonitis, pharyngitis, pleuritis, pneumonitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis, and stomatitis, transplant rejection (involving organs such as kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas (e.g., islet cells), bone marrow, cornea, small bowel, skin allografts, skin homografts, and heart valve xenografts, serum sickness, and graft vs host disease), acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, Sezary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, nonsuppurative thyroiditis, hypercalcemia associated with cancer, pemphigus, bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, severe erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, iritis and iridocyclitis, chorioretinitis, optic neuritis, symptomatic sarcoidosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis chemotherapy, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, secondary thrombocytopenia in adults, acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, leukemia and lymphomas in adults, acute leukemia of childhood, regional enteritis, autoimmune vasculitis, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, solid organ transplant rejection, sepsis. Preferred treatments include treatment of transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, chronic pulmonary disease, and inflammation accompanying infectious conditions (e.g., sepsis). In one embodiment, the compounds of this invention may be used to treat asthma; the neurodegenerative disease is selected from multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); the cellular proliferation is selected from arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) and restenosis; fibrotic disorders including hepatic cirrhosis and atherosclerosis; mesangial cell proliferative disorders include glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, malignant nephrosclerosis, thrombotic microangiopathy syndromes, proliferative retinopathies, organ transplant rejection and glomerulopathies; and metabolic disorders include psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, chronic wound healing; and the infectious disease is derived from a bacterial infection, parasitic protozoan infection, or an infection of a DNA or RNA virus.
 26. The method according to claim 24, wherein W is O.
 27. The method according to claim 24, wherein R¹ is H.
 28. The method according to claim 24, wherein R¹ is selected from C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, optionally substituted 3-7 membered heterocyclyl, and optionally substituted linear or branched C₁₋₄ alkyl.
 29. The method according to claim 24, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted linear or branched C₁₋₄ alkyl.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein R¹ is selected from optionally substituted methyl, optionally substituted ethyl and optionally substituted iso-butyl.
 31. The method according to claim 29, wherein R¹ is substituted with —OC(═O)R, wherein R is selected from a C₁₋₄alkyl group, a 3-7 membered heterocyclyl group, and a phenyl group.
 32. The method according to claim 29, wherein R¹ is pivaloyloxymethyl or propanoyloxyisobutyl.
 33. The method according to claim 24, wherein A¹ is CR^(A), A² is CR^(B), A³ is CR^(C), and A⁴ is CR^(D).
 34. The method according to claim 24, wherein the compound is selected from compounds of formulae IIIb, IIIc, IIId and IIIe:


35. The method according to claim 24, wherein: R^(A) (if present) is selected from Cl and Br; R^(B) (if present) is H; R^(C) (if present) is H; R^(D) (if present) is selected from H, Me, F, Br, OMe.
 36. The method according to claim 24, wherein A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are selected from combinations 1-7: combination A¹ A² A³ A⁴ 1 CCl CH CH CH 2 CCl CH CH CCH₃ 3 CCl CH CH CBr 4 CBr CH CH CH 5 CCl CH CH CF 6 CCl CH CH COCH₃ 7 CBr CH CH CF


37. The method according to claim 36, wherein Y is O.
 38. The method according to claim 36, wherein R^(Y) is RYA; and Z¹ is CR^(Z1), Z² is CR^(Z2), Z⁴ is CR^(Z4) and Z⁵ is CR^(Z5).
 39. The method according to claim 36, wherein: R^(Z1) is selected from H, F, and CH₂OH; R^(Z2) is H; R^(Z4) is H; R^(Z5) is selected from H, F, and CH₂OH.
 40. The method according to claim 36, wherein: R^(Z1) is F, R^(Z2) is H, R^(Z4) is H and R^(Z5) is F; or one of R^(Z1) and R^(Z5) is CH₂OH, R^(Z2) is H, R^(Z4) is H and the other of R^(Z1) and R^(Z5) is F.
 41. The method according to claim 24, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 